Sano, Sept. 22 -- Seasoned spinner Axar Patel choked the inexperienced Japanese batters just in time as India flirted with defeat before winning the rain-curtailed one-off T20 International between the two mis-matched sides by a mere two runs here on Tuesday.

With the match being reduced to five overs-a-side due to inclement weather and the underlying moisture on the surface offering more than expected turn, the apparent gulf in talent and experience was seemingly bridged as India managed only 32 for 4 in five overs hitting a total of three boundaries.

In the end, the sizeable expat turnout gave a standing ovation to the Japanese team whose players came up to click selfies and get their jerseys signed by some of the biggest stars of world cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah was much in demand for autographs and photographs although he did not play. One of the

Japanese players got a signed India jersey from Abhishek Sharma while skipper Shreyas Iyer also had some words of encouragement for the home team players.

"See I always keep saying five overs game, it can go anywhere. The attitude shown by the Japanese team today was impeccable. I'm sure they are on the right track.

For us, it was a great practice on the wicket," Iyer said at the end of the match.

For Japan skipper Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, the very idea that they nearly pulled off a 'Mission Impossible' was worth savouring but one that will also force some introspection about missed chances.

"Proud of not only the team but the broader community. Anything is possible was the attitude. We knew it was

going to be a challenge but at (an asking rate of) 6.5 RPO you know your mind wanders," Kadowaki-Fleming said.

While defending the target, India looked in danger of being embarrassed when Ravi

Bishnoi went for 10 runs in the third over and Washington Sundar (2/13) gave away seven in the penultimate over.

However, with eight runs required off the final over,

Axar's (2-0-7-0) experience of playing 150-plus IPL games came in handy as he didn't give any room to Shirai Patmore and Benjamin Ito-Davis to chance their arms.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.