World champions India narrowly escaped a stunning upset against Japan, winning their rain-shortened five-over T20 by just two runs after a disputed wide call was reversed in the final over.
India were restricted to only 32-4, with 17-year-old spinner Charlie Hara-Hinze taking 2-17, before Japan recovered from 8-2 to enter the last over needing eight. With Alexander Shirai-Patmore attempting a reverse sweep against Axar Patel, the umpire initially called a delivery wide before changing the decision following protests and a discussion between the officials, despite no DRS being available.
The reversal appeared consistent with T20 rules governing reverse shots but left Japan needing six from three balls rather than five from four. Axar held his nerve as Japan finished on 30-3, agonisingly short of a historic victory in the countries’ first international meeting.
