Reduced to five overs per side, India posted 32 for four after being asked to bat first. Shreyas Iyer top-scored with 16 off 12 balls, while Sanju Samson made nine.
Japan’s bowlers impressed against the Indian batting line-up, with Charlie Hara-Hinze taking two wickets for 17 runs. Ibrahim Takahashi and Benjamin Ito-Davis claimed one wicket each.
Chasing 33, Japan reached 30 for three in their five overs but fell just short. Captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming made 12, while Benjamin Ito-Davis remained unbeaten on nine.
Washington Sundar was India’s leading bowler with two wickets for 13 runs, while Japan’s captain and Ito-Davis kept their side in contention until the final ball.
India’s narrow victory came in a historic first international meeting between the two sides and served as their final preparation ahead of the Asian Games.
