Sano (Japan): Seasoned spinner Axar Patel choked the inexperienced Japanese batters just in time as India survived a scare to win the rain-curtailed one-off T20 International between the two mismatched sides by a mere two runs here on Tuesday.
With the match being reduced to five overs-a-side due to inclement weather and the underlying moisture on the surface offering more than expected turn, the apparent gulf in talent and experience was seemingly bridged as India managed only 32 for 4 in five overs, hitting a total of three boundaries.
While defending the target, India looked in danger of being embarrassed when Ravi Bishnoi went for 10 runs in the third over, and Washington Sundar (2/13) gave away seven in the penultimate over.
The home side scored 30-3 in reply to fall just short of a memorable victory in the first T20 between the sides.
Japan had used diplomatic channels to line up the high-profile match against India, who planned to use the game to get used to conditions in Japan before beginning their Asian Games title defence.
