Photo via Wisden

India bully umpire into overturning wide call to avoid shock defeat to Japan

India narrowly avoided a historic upset against Japan after escaping with a two-run victory in a shortened five-over fixture. Defending a modest total of 32 for four on a turning surface, the Indian side faced a tense finish when the batting team needed six runs from the final four deliveries.

A controversial wide delivery called by official Chris Thurgate against Alexander Shirai-Padmore sparked heavy protests from bowler Axar Patel and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, prompting captain Shreyas Iyer to approach leg-umpire Chris Brown. Following discussions between the match officials, the initial ruling was reversed, a crucial intervention that ultimately preserved the narrow victory.