India started their Asian Games 2026 women's cricket campaign with a commanding eight-wicket victory over hosts Japan on Friday, September 18. The defending champions bowled Japan out for just 57 before chasing down the target in only five overs at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
Shree Charani, the left-arm spinner, was the best bowler for India and collected 4/10 from her four overs. Shafali Verma also got 2/13 from the ball and scored a fantastic 40 from 15 deliveries in the chase.
The victory sends India to the semifinals, where they will meet Bangladesh on September 20. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will play the other semi-final.
Charani Leads India’s Spin Attack
After winning the toss and choosing to field, India immediately put Japan under pressure with a strong spin attack.
Japan had managed a 24-run opening partnership, but the hosts were also unable to score freely on a surface that often turned and bounced. They managed only three boundaries in the innings.
Charani then broke the resistance in the seventh over. The left-arm spinner dismissed opener Haruna Iwasaki for 10 before removing Japan captain Mai Yanagida with the very next delivery.
Charani conceded only one run in her last three overs and finished with 20 dot balls in 24 deliveries. Her 4/10 was also her best bowling performance in T20 cricket.
Shafali added more pressure with her off-spin. She struck Ayaka Kato-Stafford, Japan's highest scorer with 25, and Shimako Kato in the 15th and 17th overs respectively. Deepti Sharma and returning spinner Shreyanka Patil also took a wicket each as Japan were ultimately bowled out for 57 in 19.5 overs.
Shafali Verma Finishes The Chase In Style
India's chase initially gave a couple of surprises, with opening Gunalan Kamalini crashing for a two-ball duck and Bharti Fulmali for six.
But Shafali made sure there was no further drama.
🏏 WOMEN'S CRICKET TEAM THROUGH TO THE SEMIS
— SPORTS ARENA🇮🇳 (@SportsArena1234) September 18, 2026
Host Japan scored 57/10 in 19.5 overs in the QF of Asian Games.
India chased the Run in just 5 overs with 8 wickets in hand
Semis vs Bangladesh 🇧🇩 pic.twitter.com/Bl9wVXSwbi
The aggressive opener smashed an unbeaten 40 off 15 balls and struck six fours and two sixes. She attacked from the opening over and finally finished the match by hitting Kato-Stafford over long-on for six.
Richa Ghosh provided support with a quick 12 off six balls, including two fours, as India reached 58/2 in just five overs.
Therefore, India won by eight wickets with 15 overs still left.
Japan Gain Experience Against Defending Champions
Although the outcome was one-sided, for Japan it was a huge match for women's international cricket in which India was to be played for the first time.
Japan’s players struggled against India’s experienced bowling attack, particularly on a pitch that offered spin and bounce. Their batting innings also had two run-outs, which diminished their chances to establish partnerships.
Kato-Stafford was the only Japanese batter to make a significant contribution and score 25, but India kept pressure throughout the innings.
The hosts did, however, gain some valuable experience when playing against the defending Asian Games champions on home soil.
India vs Bangladesh In Asian Games Semifinal
India's quarterfinal victory sets up a semifinal against Bangladesh on September 20.
Bangladesh got into the last four after their quarter-final against China was washed out. As the higher-ranked side, Bangladesh advanced to the semifinal.
The other semifinal will be Pakistan against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka will play against Pakistan in the other semifinal after advancing with an 86-run victory against Malaysia.
India entered the 2026 Asian Games as the women's cricket champions and are now two wins away from winning the gold medal. Charani had a career-best T20 bowling performance, and Shafali made an immediate impact in their opening match.
With the semifinal against Bangladesh close, India’s spin attack and top-order firepower will once again be central to their campaign as they aim to defend the title in Japan.
