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

Opting to bat first on a surface that had moisture and offered more than expected turn, the Indian batters struggled, and managed just two boundaries in the innings, losing four wickets in the process. In the end, the Men in Blue managed a meagre 32 runs.

In reply, seasoned spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar choked the inexperienced Japanese batters just in time. Sundar was the pick of the Indian bowlers with two wickets and conceded 1...