India survived a huge scare against Japan in the historic one-off T20I, securing a thrilling two-run victory after the hosts came remarkably close to pulling off one of the biggest upsets in international cricket. With India preparing for their men’s Asian Games 2026 campaign, the result provided Shreyas Iyer with a major sigh of relief. Japan, ranked 41st in the world and yet to qualify for a men’s T20 World Cup, pushed the reigning T20I world champions all the way before falling short in a dramatic final over.
Japan’s disciplined bowling had restricted India to just 32 runs after five overs, putting the pressure firmly on Iyer’s side. By the time the final over arrived, Japan required only eight runs from six deliveries and appeared to have the momentum needed to complete a remarkable victory.
Iyer turned to Axar Patel for the decisive over, and the experienced spinner eventually delivered. However, the final six balls were filled with controversy and uncertainty. With Japan needing six runs from four deliveries, Axar bowled down the leg side and was called for a wide, reducing the target to five from four. The next delivery produced even more drama.
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Axar appeared to anticipate left-hander Alexander Shirai Patmore attempting a reverse sweep and changed his line accordingly. The delivery went down the leg side again and was initially called a wide. Axar immediately questioned the decision, while Iyer held a lengthy discussion with the umpire.
Under normal circumstances, India could have looked towards the Decision Review System (DRS) to settle the matter. However, with no third umpire available for the contest, there was no review option.
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) September 22, 2026
Following discussions among the officials, the wide call was overturned and the delivery was declared a dead ball. That meant Japan still needed six runs from the final three deliveries rather than five from four, dramatically altering the situation in India’s favour. Axar then kept his composure to close out the match, ensuring India escaped with a narrow two-run win.
The result was particularly important given India’s recent setbacks against lower-ranked opposition. India had suffered defeats to Zimbabwe in 2024 and Ireland earlier in 2026, meaning another loss against Japan would have added to the concerns surrounding the team ahead of the Asian Games.
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The on-air umpire highlighted the unusual situation while explaining the decision during the broadcast. “There is a conference going on. Notice Shreyas Iyer. Not happy, the bowler. The playing conditions have changed in recent times regarding this situation, with what is deemed a switch. But I think it was more of a reverse sweep. It’s been a dead ball signalled, I believe, after some consultation with the umpires, Chris Brown.”
The umpire also pointed out the significance of the contest, with the reigning T20 World Cup champions facing a Japan side that had never qualified for the men’s T20 World Cup, although they had appeared in two Under-19 50-over World Cups.
