India Women dominated Japan Women in the 2026 Asian Games women's cricket quarter-final today (September 18). India defeated Japan by eight wickets at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin to progress to the semifinals. It was India’s first T20I match with Japan.
Ins JPN-W Match Review: India Choose to Bowl First
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and decided to field first. It paid off right away as India's bowlers kept Japan under pressure throughout the innings.
Japan struggled to create partnerships and eventually lost all 10 wickets for 57 runs in 19.5 overs. Ayaka Kato-Stafford was Japan's highest scorer with 25 runs, but the rest of the batting team couldn’t support.
Sree Charani leads India’s bowling attack.
Sree Charani was the best bowler for India with 4/10. She repeatedly troubled the Japanese batters and was a major part in restricting them to a low total.
Shafali Verma also contributed with the ball, taking 2/13. India’s disciplined bowling attack prevented Japan from building momentum and ensured that the quarterfinal was effectively decided during the first innings.
Shafali Verma Finishes the Chase Quickly
With only 58 runs in hand, India needed very little time to complete the job. The target was reached in just five overs with India losing two wickets during the chase.
Shafali Verma was an explosive performer at the top of the order. She remained unbeaten on 40 from only 15 deliveries with six fours and two sixes. She was aggressive and there was no late pressure on the Indian side.
Richa Ghosh also remained unbeaten on 12 as India completed a comprehensive victory.
India March Into the Semifinals.
The eight-wicket victory took India into the women's cricket semi-final of the Asian Games women's cricket team. India will play Bangladesh in the semifinal according to match reports.
With the result, it is a good start for India to defend its title. India went to the Asian Games as the defending women's cricket champion and they showed a good all-round performance in their first knockout match.
IND-W vs JPN-W Match Result
Japan Women: 57 all out in 19.5 overs
India Women: 58/2 in 5 overs
Result: India Women won by 8 wickets
Player of the match performance: Sree Charani's 4/10 and Shafali Verma's unbeaten 40 off 15
Venue: Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, Japan
Date: September 18, 2026
