Aakash Chopra defends wide call in India win over Japan

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra backed the umpires after they overturned a wide call during India's two-run win over Japan at Sano. The decision came in the final over when Alexander Shirai-Patmore went for a reverse sweep, and under ICC rules the wide line shifts once a batter plays a switch hit or reverse sweep.

Chopra said he initially thought the call was wrong but checked the rules and accepted the umpires were right. The reversal left Japan needing six runs off three balls instead of five off four. India won the rain-shortened match and became the first team to reach 200 T20I wins.

Chopra added that the rule treats switch hits and reverse sweeps the same way, and that the benefit of the doubt goes to the bowler regardless of when the batter changes stance.