India Beat Japan by 2 Runs: India held their nerve in a dramatic five-over-a-side contest to beat Japan by two runs and lift the inaugural Suzuki Cup at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi on Tuesday, September 22.
After rain and a wet outfield forced several inspections, the match was eventually reduced to just five overs per side. India posted 32/4 before restricting Japan to 30/3 in a tense finish.
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India Struggle on Difficult Pitch
India won the toss and opted to bat, but their innings got off to a disastrous start when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed off the very first delivery.
Sanju Samson managed 9 from 7 balls, while Ishan Kishan could make only 3 from 6. With wickets falling regularly, India found it difficult to build any momentum on a pitch offering considerable turn.
Shreyas Iyer provided some stability with a quick 16 from 12 deliveries. His contribution helped India reach 32/4 from their allotted five overs, leaving Japan with a target of 33.
India Beat Japan by 2 Runs
Japan approached the chase carefully but lost Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake to an early run-out after he had scored just one run. Ibrahim Takahashi was then dismissed for 4, putting pressure on the home side.
Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming kept the chase alive with a valuable 12 from 12 balls. Ravi Bishnoi conceded 10 runs in one over, giving Japan renewed hope of completing what would have been a remarkable upset.
Washington Sundar then produced an important breakthrough, removing Kadowaki-Fleming for 12 and bringing India closer to victory.
Axar Patel Holds His Nerve
The game went down to the final over with Japan needing eight runs to win.
Axar Patel was handed the responsibility of defending the target and conceded only five runs from the over. Japan needed a boundary from the final delivery to force a win, but India kept them from finding the required shot.
Japan finished on 30/3, handing India a narrow two-run victory and the first Suzuki Cup title.
Key Performers
India:
- Shreyas Iyer – 16 off 12
- Sanju Samson – 9 off 7
- Washington Sundar – 2/13
- Axar Patel – 0/7 in 2 overs
Japan:
- Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming – 12 off 12
- Charlie Hara-Hinze – 2/17
Shreyas Iyer Praises Japan’s Fight
India captain Shreyas Iyer said the pitch was extremely difficult to bat on, particularly because of the amount of turn available to the bowlers.
He explained that India tried to keep the scoreboard moving through singles and doubles while focusing on playing each delivery according to its merit. Iyer also acknowledged that in a five-over game, the momentum can change very quickly.
He praised Japan’s competitive spirit and said the match provided useful experience for India in challenging conditions.
Japan Leave With Pride
Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming said his team could take plenty of pride from pushing India until the final delivery.
He also credited the ground staff for their efforts in getting the match ready despite the difficult weather. Kadowaki-Fleming admitted that there were moments when the required run rate made the chase look difficult, but the team continued to believe that anything could happen.
Although Japan fell short, their performance turned the historic first meeting between the two sides into a closely fought contest.
Match Summary
India – 32/4 (5 overs)
Japan – 30/3 (5 overs)
India won by 2 runs.
Venue: Sano International Cricket Ground, Sano, Tochigi, Japan
Match: India vs Japan, Inaugural Suzuki Cup
Format: Five overs per side due to rain
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