Sano: India secured a dramatic two-run victory over Japan in a rain-shortened T20 match, but the result was overshadowed by controversy surrounding a wide call in the final over.
Set a target of 33 from five overs, Japan needed eight runs from the final over with seven wickets in hand. India spinner Axar Patel conceded a single before being called for a wide, leaving Japan six runs from victory with four deliveries remaining.
The next delivery sparked the controversy.
Patel bowled another ball that was initially signalled wide by Japan-based umpire Chris Thurgate. Japan batter Alexander Shirai-Patmore attempted a reverse sweep, but the ball appeared to remain outside his reach.
India captain Shreyas Iyer and Patel immediately protested the decision. After a brief discussion between the umpires, the wide call was overturned without a formal review, meaning Japan lost both the extra run and an additional delivery.
Japan eventually managed three singles from the final three balls and finished on 30 for 3, two runs short of India’s 32 for 4.
The decision triggered criticism from cricket journalists and fans on social media, with some questioning why the original wide was overturned without a visible review.
Wisden cricket writer Ben Gardner described the incident as a controversial moment, while several fans argued that Japan had been denied a genuine opportunity to complete one of the biggest upsets in international cricket.
The match was historic regardless of the result. It marked the first meeting between Japan and an ICC Full Member, with Japan, an associate nation ranked outside the world’s top 40 in men’s T20 cricket, taking India to the final ball.
India’s Iyer praised Japan’s performance after the game, acknowledging the hosts’ approach and determination on a difficult pitch.
For Japan, the narrow defeat was a landmark moment for a developing cricket nation. The Japan Cricket Association has been working to raise the profile of the sport in the country, with the India fixture viewed as an important step in that effort.
The controversial final over, however, ensured that the match will be remembered for more than just Japan’s impressive challenge to the world’s leading T20 side.
