Sept. 22, 2026, 1:13 p.m. ET
The India men’s cricket team clinched a dramatic victory by just two runs over Japan, following a controversial umpiring decision in their first-ever encounter at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Sano, Japan.
In a nail-biting finish, a crucial call went in India’s favor, helping them narrowly escape with the win.
Japan required just eight runs from four balls to pull off a massive upset in the one-off T20I, which was shortened to five overs per side due to inclement weather. Left-handed batter Alexander Shirai-Patmore attempted to attack a delivery from Axar Patel, which was initially called a wide by the umpire.
India protested the decision after an additional wide was called, reducing Japan’s target to six runs off four balls. This prompted the leg umpire, Chris Brown, a member of the ICC’s Elite Panel, to intervene and request a review.
After deliberation, the original umpire reversed the second wide call, increasing Japan’s requirement to seven runs from three balls.
Ultimately, the reigning world champions and the No. 1 ranked men’s T20I team defended their modest total of 32 runs, clinching victory by a thin margin of two runs and surviving a significant scare against Japan, who scored a total of 30 runs.
