India Women Dominate Japan with Eight-Wicket Win to Reach Asian Games Semi-Finals
Shree Charani's four-wicket haul and Shafali Verma's quickfire 40 not out ensured a swift victory, setting up a clash with Bangladesh.
The story
At Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi, Japan, the Indian women's cricket team made a resounding start to their Asian Games campaign, cruising past hosts Japan by eight wickets in their quarter-final match. Electing to bowl first, India's bowlers quickly took control, restricting Japan to a paltry 57 runs all out in 19.5 overs.
Left-arm spinner Shree Charani was the standout performer, delivering a career-best spell of 4/10, including two wickets in consecutive deliveries in the seventh over to break Japan's cautious opening stand. Shafali Verma also contributed with the ball, taking 2/13.
In response, India made short work of the chase, reaching the target in just five overs. Shafali Verma led the charge with a blistering unbeaten 40 runs off only 15 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, while Richa Ghosh added an unbeaten 12 off six deliveries. India's commanding performance secures their spot in the semi-finals, where they will face Bangladesh.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| India vs Japan | T20I | India won by 8 wickets | Shree Charani (IND) 4/10 |
| Sri Lanka vs Malaysia | T20I | Sri Lanka won by 86 runs | Chamari Athapaththu (SL) 63 runs & 2/3 |
| Pakistan vs Thailand | T20I | Pakistan won by 3 wickets | Nannapat Koncharoenkai (THA) 49 runs |
| Zimbabwe vs South Africa | T20I | South Africa won by 80 runs | Miane Smit (SA) 102 runs |
| Bangladesh vs China | T20I | Match abandoned, Bangladesh progressed due to higher seeding | N/A |
Series in play
Asian Games 2026. Quarter-finals concluded, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh advance to semi-finals.
Zimbabwe Women vs South Africa Women T20I Series. South Africa leads the five-match series after winning the 4th T20I by 80 runs.
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Women's T20I Team Rankings | Australia #1, England #2, India #3 | India holds third place with 262 rating points after their Asia Cup win. |
| ICC Women's ODI Team Rankings | Australia #1, England #2, India #3 | Australia maintains the top spot, followed by England and India. |
What we'll be watching
- The final match of the Zimbabwe Women vs South Africa Women T20I Series on September 19 at Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo.
- Asian Games 2026 Women's Cricket Semi-final 1: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on September 20 at Korogi Athletic Park, Aichi, Japan.
- Asian Games 2026 Women's Cricket Semi-final 2: India vs Bangladesh on September 20 at Korogi Athletic Park, Aichi, Japan.
- The Asian Games 2026 Women's Cricket Bronze Medal Match on September 22.
- The Asian Games 2026 Women's Cricket Final on September 22.
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