Sano, Sept. 22 -- India survived a spirited challenge from Japan to secure a narrow two-run victory in the first-ever meeting between the two sides, with the reigning ICC Men's T20 World Cup champions holding their nerve in a thrilling five-over contest.

Play was reduced to five overs per side after a significant portion of the scheduled time was lost due to a wet outfield. India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bat, but Japan's bowlers made an immediate impact. Charlie Hara-Hinze dismissed the dangerous Abhishek Sharma off the first ball, before Ibrahim Takahashi struck two deliveries later to remove Sanju Samson and leave India in early trouble.

Benjamin Ito-Davis compounded India's problems by dismissing Ishan Kishan in...