India escaped a major embarrassment on Tuesday when umpires overturned a contentious wide decision in the final over, helping the visitors cling on for a two-run victory against hosts Japan in a rain-reduced historic one-off T20 International.

The match at the Sano International Cricket Ground was cut to five overs a side because of a wet outfield. India, electing to bat, struggled on a slow, turning surface and managed only 32 for four. Skipper Shreyas Iyer top-scored with 16 as Japanese spinners exploited the conditions effectively.

Chasing 33, Japan made a spirited effort and reached a position where eight runs were needed from the last over. Axar Patel was entrusted with the responsibility. Tension mounted when umpire Chris Thurgate signalled a couple of deliveries wide as left-hander Alexander Shirai-Patmore attempted reverse sweeps.

Patel and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson showed clear disagreement. Iyer then approached square-leg umpire Chris Brown. After a discussion between the two officials, the second wide call was reversed and ruled a legitimate delivery.

Japan managed only a handful of runs thereafter and finished on 30 for three. India won by two runs in what became one of the closest finishes in their T20I history.

Had the original wide decision stood, Japan would have gained an extra run and an additional ball in a contest decided by the barest of margins. The intervention and subsequent overturn proved decisive in preventing what would have been a stunning upset for the world champions against the associate side.

Washington Sundar returned figures of 2 for 13 while Axar conceded just seven runs from his two overs. For Japan, Charlie Hara-Hinze took 2 for 17.

The one-off fixture formed part of preparations for both teams ahead of the Asian Games.