India survived an enormous scare to beat Japan in a one-off T20I in Sano, making history by defending a score of just 32 after rain reduced the contest to a five-over shoot-out.

The match, which was Japan's first against a full-member nation, was organised to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the countries, but the friendly feeling was put on hold when Japan threatened an almighty shock.

Despite no rain falling at the modest, 2,000-capacity venue on Tuesday, wet weather on the preceding two days led to a lengthy delay, before the players emerged with just enough time to get in five overs apiece – the shortest possible contest under T20I rules.

And on a remarkably slow surface, every delivery was bowled by a spinner and Japan managed to restrict the world champions to a measly 32-4.

Abhishek Sharma fell for a first-ball duck at the hands of Charlie Hara-Hinze, and Sanju Samson (9) was taken by Ibrahim Takahashi soon afterwards, leaving India 9-2 after eight balls and in a mood of panic.

Ishan Kishan (3) handed Makoto Taniyama a comfortable catch, and only a steady 16 off 12 – including a single four – from captain Shreyas Iyer prevented India from posting a truly humiliating total, before he was also dismissed by Hara-Hinze from the penultimate ball of the innings.

Japan knew anything better than a run per ball would seal a seismic upset, but Axar Patel bowled the first over and only gave up two runs, with Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake (1) being run out during that spell. 

Takahashi struck Japan's lone boundary (though those were the only runs he managed before being caught by Ravi Bishnoi), and captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming hit 12 from as many balls, as Japan took it to the final over needing nine runs.

But it was Axar who frustrated them, only giving up another four runs, although there was a moment of controversy when the umpire overturned a wide ball signalled against him, following strong protests from the India players. 

Respect. Camaraderie. Cricket. 

A special jersey exchange between #TeamIndia and Japan to cap off a historic day #TeamIndiaInJapan | #JPNvIND | @CricketJapan pic.twitter.com/xWjIxCOhfw

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 22, 2026

Curious record falls to India

India breathed a huge sigh of relief at the end of Tuesday's bizarre contest, having known how close they were to suffering one of the most humiliating defeats in cricket history.

And the 32 runs they won with represents the lowest total ever defended by a team in a five-over T20I.

Japan's spinners made it close, with Hara-Hinze (2-17), Takahashi (1-13) and Benjamin Ito-Davis (1-2) all successfully frustrating India's batsmen. Unfortunately for the hosts, the visiting spinners were just a class above, with Axar (0-7) being aided by Washington Sundar (2-13) and Bishnoi (0-10), as well as a contentious call from the umpire. 

India's next T20 assignment is the Asian Games, where they will aim for a third straight gold medal with Japan also involved in the competition, while their ODI side are in action against West Indies on Sunday, opening a three-match series.