3 areas India should look to improve after narrow win against Japan

India registered a 2-run victory over Japan in the one-off T20I of the Suzuki Cup at the Sano International Cricket Ground on Tuesday, September 22. The match, organised to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, was also the first-ever international cricket meeting between the two Asian sides.

The contest was reduced to five overs per side due to rain. India posted 32 for 4, and Japan fell just short at 30 for 3 while chasing 33. Shreyas Iyer, who captained the side, was named Player of the Match for his 16 off 12 balls, the only double-figure score in India’s innings. Despite the win, which was reportedly India’s 200th T20I victory, several areas stood out as concerns heading into the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Competition quarter-final at Nisshin on Monday, September 28.

Here are 3 areas India should look to improve after a near upset against Japan:

3. Top-order batting consistency

Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck, and neither Sanju Samson (9) nor Ishan Kishan (3) could build any momentum. Three of India’s four wickets fell cheaply, leaving Iyer to carry the batting almost single-handedly.

Japan’s slow left-arm bowler Charlie Hara-Hinze took 2 wickets and, along with Ibrahim Takahashi, exploited the conditions effectively. India’s top order will need to show far greater application against quality bowling attacks in the knockout rounds of the Asian Games.

2. Bowling economy under pressure

Ravi Bishnoi conceded 10 runs in one over, a costly spell in a match where every delivery carried enormous weight. Japan needed 8 runs off the final over, bowled by Axar Patel, who managed to seal the win.

However, the fact that Japan came so close underlined how expensive a single poor over can be in a five-over format. Economy and discipline with the ball will be critical for India as they face stronger opposition in the Asian Games.

1. Fielding and finishing in close finishes

Washington Sundar took wickets to help restrict Japan, and Ishan Kishan contributed a direct-hit run-out. However, Japan‘s Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming scored 12 off 12 balls and kept his side in the hunt until the final delivery.

The Japanese side, ranked 41st in ICC T20I rankings and in strong form in 2026 with 8 wins from 11 matches, pushed India far closer than expected. India’s fielding and finishing under pressure will need to be sharper if they are to progress deep into the Asian Games tournament. India face their 2nd quarter-final at Nisshin on September 28.