Sano, Sept. 22 -- India edged past Japan by two runs in a thrilling five-over one-off T20I on Tuesday, with Axar Patel defending eight runs in the final over after Japan restricted the reigning world champions to 32/4.

Chasing 33, the hosts made a poor start as a sharp throw from Ishan Kishan ran out opener Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake for just one run off the fifth ball of the opening over.

In the very next over of Washington Sundar, the off-spinner, dismissed Ibrahim Takahashi for four runs, as Japan lost their second wicket at the score of seven.

Japan steadied their innings as Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Benjamin Ito-Davis combined to score 10 runs off Ravi Bishnoi, taking the hosts to 18/2 after three overs. Japan needed 15 runs from the...