India won by two runs against Japan in a five-over T20 on Monday, defending 32 for 4 to hold the hosts to 30 for 3. Due to rain, match got delayed and reduced to 5 overs per side. Player of the Match Shreyas Iyer anchored India with 16 runs, before Washington Sundar’s 2 for 13 in two overs supplied the decisive control in a finish decided by the narrowest of margins.
With only five overs available per side, India had little room for error after being restricted to 32 for 4. Iyer’s 16 was the defining contribution in the innings, while Sanju Samson made 9 and Ishan Kishan added 3. Japan’s bowling attack ensured that India never gained decisive momentum: Charlie Hara-Hinze claimed 2 wickets, while Benjamin Ito-Davis and Ibrahim Takahashi took one wicket apiece.
Japan’s chase was equally tight. Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming led the pursuit with 12 runs, with Ito-Davis contributing 9 and Takahashi making 4, but the target proved just beyond reach as Japan finished on 30 for 3.
Sundar made the key impact with 2 for 13 from his two overs, taking two of Japan’s three wickets. Axar Patel was notably economical, returning 0 for 7 from two overs, while Ravi Bishnoi conceded 10 from his over. India’s bowlers protected every run of their modest total to complete a tense victory.
Key performers
- Shreyas Iyer, India: 16 runs; named Player of the Match.
- Sanju Samson, India: 9 runs.
- Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, Japan: 12 runs.
- Washington Sundar, India: 2 wickets for 13 runs in 2 overs.
- Axar Patel, India: 0 for 7 in 2 overs.
- Charlie Hara-Hinze, Japan: 2 wickets.
NerdSports Stat: Washington Sundar bowled 40% of India’s allotted overs and took two of Japan’s three wickets in a match India won by only two runs.
