Umpires reverse wide call as India survive scare to beat Japan by two runs

India avoided a significant setback on Tuesday when umpires overturned a controversial wide call in the final over, securing a two-run win over Japan in a wet, reduced-over T20 International at the Sano International Cricket Ground. The match, which was limited to five overs per side due to rain, saw India bat first and struggle on a challenging surface, managing just 32 for four.

Captain Shreyas Iyer top-scored with 16, while Japan's spinners capitalized on the conditions. Chasing 33, Japan required eight runs from the last over. Axar Patel was tasked with this crucial over. Tensions rose when umpire Chris Thurgate signaled a couple of deliveries as wide, sparking disagreement from left-hander Alexander Shirai-Patmore and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.

Iyer then consulted square-leg umpire Chris Brown, who, after a discussion, reversed the second wide call, ruling it a legitimate delivery. Japan's batting faltered thereafter, finishing on 30 for three. India won by two runs, marking one of their closest finishes in T20I history. If the original wide decision had stood, Japan would have gained an extra run and a ball, with the match decided by the narrowest of margins.

The intervention proved decisive in preventing a shocking upset for the world champions against the associate team. Washington Sundar took 2 for 13 for India, while Axar conceded just seven runs from his two overs. Japan's Charlie Hara-Hinze took 2 for 17. The one-off fixture was part of both teams' preparations for the upcoming Asian Games.