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Many times such unique and surprising incidents are seen on the international cricket field which make cricket lovers think deeply. A similar amazing sight was seen in the only T20 match of Suzuki Cup played between India and Japan. In this very short and exciting match of five overs each, Team India registered a thrilling victory by defeating Japan by just two runs. Batting first, the Indian team scored only 32 runs by losing 4 wickets in the stipulated five overs, in response to which the Japanese team could only score 30 runs at the loss of 3 wickets in five overs. The way an emerging team like Japan gave a tough fight to India till the last ball, it surprised everyone. But the biggest and shocking attraction of this match was that Indian captain Shreyas Iyer, who scored only 16 runs in the entire innings, was given the prestigious award of ‘Player of the Match’ by defeating the players who bowled brilliantly.
Five over match affected by rain: Japan gives tough competition to India
This special T20 match played between India and Japan was badly affected due to heavy rain, due to which the overs were reduced to five overs each. Due to continuous rain, the field and pitch had become very wet, due to which the ball was not coming on the bat properly at all. It proved to be very difficult for the Indian team, which won the toss and came to bat first, and the entire team could barely score 32 runs by losing 4 wickets in 5 overs. In response, the Japanese batsmen showed great spirit and dragged the match till the last over. Japan needed only 8 runs in the last over to win and their 7 wickets were safe. But in the end the Indian bowlers applied pressure and won the match by 2 runs on the last ball.
Why did Shreyas Iyer get the award despite Washington Sundar’s excellent bowling?
Talking about India’s bowling in the match, spinner Washington Sundar bowled very economically and lethally and took 2 important wickets for just 13 runs in his quota of 2 overs, and it was on the basis of his bowling that India was able to make a comeback in the match. Despite this, when the ‘Player of the Match’ was announced at the end of the match, cricket fans were quite surprised to hear the name of captain Shreyas Iyer instead of Washington Sundar. The reason behind Shreyas Iyer getting this award, who scored 16 runs with the help of only one four while facing only 12 balls in the match, was very interesting and related to the difficult conditions of the pitch.
Getting a single-double on the pitch was a tough task: Shreyas Iyer revealed his secrets after the match
While talking in the press conference after his innings and the team’s victory, captain Shreyas Iyer explained the reality of that difficult wicket. Shreyas Iyer said, “This wicket was very difficult and dangerous for batting. We also saw our opening batsmen who are used to scoring runs continuously, but they too were not able to predict the spin and slow speed of the ball on the pitch. As soon as I stepped on the crease, I had completely decided that on this pitch, instead of playing big shots, it is most important in the interest of the team to steal single and double runs and rotate the strike. I also talked to the batsmen present at the other end, But even taking a run on this surface was no less than a challenge.”
The strategy of batting according to the situation was successful
Elaborating on his innings plan, the Indian captain further said, “To be honest, I decided that I will only play according to the speed and position of the ball and make my plan accordingly. The ball was moving a lot on the pitch and was coming intermittently, so I decided to take advantage of my speed and stay behind the crease and focus on singles and doubles. Considering the conditions of the field, this method proved to be most effective for the team.” This is the reason why Shreyas Iyer was awarded the title of ‘Player of the Match’ for handling the team and showing wisdom in difficult situations while playing captaincy innings on that extremely difficult and low-scoring pitch.