New Delhi, Sept. 22 -- India survived a massive scare in their first-ever T20I against Japan on Tuesday, with the three-time T20 World Cup winners securing a thrilling two-run victory in a match reduced to five overs per side due to inclement weather at the Sano International Cricket Ground.

Opting to bat first on a surface that had moisture and offered more turn than expected, the Indian batters struggled to find their rhythm. They managed just two boundaries in the innings and lost four wickets, eventually posting a modest 32 runs.

In reply, seasoned spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar kept the inexperienced Japanese batters under pressure. Sundar was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking two wickets while conceding 13 runs as ...