India Almost Suffer Historic Upset Against Japan, Late Umpiring Call Sparks Debate

India vs Japan T20I: Umpiring Controversy Saves India From Major Upset, Late Wide Call Sparks Debate

India narrowly escaped a stunning defeat against Japan on Tuesday, September 22, winning the rain-shortened one-off T20I by just two runs. The match also witnessed a controversial umpiring decision in the final over that became one of the biggest talking points of the game. 

What happened in the final over?

The match had been reduced to five overs per side because of rain and a wet outfield. India managed only 32/4, leaving Japan with a target of 33. Japan fought strongly and entered the final over needing eight runs to win. 

India handed the final over to Axar Patel, who kept his composure and restricted Japan to just five runs. Japan eventually finished on 30/3, losing by two runs. 

However, controversy erupted when umpire Chris Thurgate called a delivery wide. Indian captain Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel expressed their disagreement, after which the decision was reviewed between the on-field umpires and overturned. The delivery was subsequently treated as a dead ball rather than a wide. 

Was the umpire actually wrong?

The incident has generated considerable debate, but it is important to distinguish a controversial decision from an established umpiring error.

According to the MCC Laws, an umpire can reverse a decision if they subsequently believe it was incorrect, provided the ball has not become dead. Reports on the incident say this provision was relevant to the reversal. 

The situation was particularly complicated because the Japanese batter was attempting a reverse-sweep/reverse-slog, which affects how the off-side and leg-side are interpreted under the Laws.

India survive a huge scare

India's batting performance was far below expectations on a slow, turning surface. Shreyas Iyer top-scored with 16, while Japan's 17-year-old spinner Charlie Hara-Hinze took 2/17. 

Japan, ranked 41st by the ICC, stayed in contention until the final delivery. Axar Patel's final over eventually ensured that India avoided what would have been a major upset. 

The match was also historic as the first-ever T20 international between India and Japan, held as part of celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.