New Delhi [India], September 22 (ANI): Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party chief and former Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Tuesday praised the Japan cricket workforce for placing up a powerful combat towards Shreyas Iyer-led India of their thrilling five-over T20I at Sano, saying he had anticipated the Indian aspect to win comfortably.
India and Japan performed an exciting, rain-shortened five-over one-off T20I, with Axar Patel defending eight runs within the remaining over to seal a two-run win after Japan restricted the reigning world champions to 32/4. Notably, the match was held to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the 2 international locations.
Speaking to ANI, Taro Kono mentioned he anticipated India to win comfortably however was impressed by Japan’s shut contest. He expressed hope that cricket would achieve reputation in Japan and mentioned the game’s inclusion within the Olympics might give the Japanese workforce hope for the long run.
“I thought Indian team would kill us, but it was almost. So, well, thank you very much for your consideration. I hope more, you know, they’re going to be more cricket population in Japan. It’s (cricket) going to be in Olympic games. So maybe our cricket team has some hope for Olympic games,” he mentioned.
Coming to the match, Japan’s bowlers impressed on a sluggish Sano floor, proscribing India to 32/4 in 5 overs. Shreyas Iyer top-scored with 16, whereas Japan’s Charlie Hara-Hinze claimed 2/17 and Ibrahim Takahashi took one wicket. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck, whereas Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan additionally fell cheaply.
Chasing 33, Japan slipped to 7/2 earlier than Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Benjamin Ito-Davis steadied the innings. Washington Sundar dismissed Kadowaki-Fleming for 12 within the fourth over, leaving Japan needing eight from the ultimate six balls. Axar Patel then held his nerve to limit Japan to 30/3, sealing a slender two-run win for India. Washington completed with two wickets and was India’s standout bowler. (ANI)