Japan and India mark 75 years of diplomatic friendship with an international T20 cricket match on Tuesday, using sport as a backdrop for bilateral celebration. The game is held in connection with an agreement reached during a summit between Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their relationship.
In the match, Japan plays India in a shortened T20 format, with the game reduced to five overs per side. Japan gives India, the three-time world champions, a close contest, narrowly missing victory. Reports say Japan finishes just two runs short, creating a competitive finish alongside the ceremonial diplomacy around the fixture.
