A new behind-the-scenes account has revealed how close 41st-ranked Japan came to one of the biggest upsets in cricket history against T20 world champions India earlier this month.

In a five-overs-a-side contest in Sano on September 22, India could only manage 32 for 4 after rain delays caused by Typhoon Dujuan. Japan replied with 30 for 3, falling just two runs short.

The match was played in the grounds of a disused high school. Volunteers worked through the night with sponges to make the outfield playable.

Japan Cricket Association chief executive Naoki Alex Miyaji told reporters he had initially thought the idea of facing India was just a dream, before lobbying at ICC events made it happen.

The final over produced high drama. A wide called against Axar Patel was overturned after protests from the bowler and captain Shreyas Iyer, leaving Japan needing four from the final ball. They managed only a leg bye.

Alexander Shirai-Patmore was the batter denied at the death, with Axar holding his nerve for a dot ball on the decisive delivery.

Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming said taking the best team in the world to the last ball was pretty special.