India women storm into Asian Games 2026 semifinals after 8-wicket win over Japan
PTC Web Desk: India women booked their place in the semifinals of the Asian Games 2026 with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Japan in the quarterfinal.
After winning the toss, India opted to bowl first and quickly took control of the contest. Japan struggled to build partnerships and were eventually dismissed for just 57 runs in 19.5 overs.
Sri Charani was the standout bowler for India, finishing with four wickets. Shafali Verma picked up two wickets, while Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil claimed one each. Two Japanese batters were dismissed through run-outs.
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A convincing 8️⃣-wicket win for #TeamIndia in the quarter-final to seal a spot in the final four ????????
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/MIoR07Vyms
#AsianGames https://t.co/UANuW4ThHW — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) September 18, 2026
Chasing 58 for victory, India made light work of the target. Shafali Verma led the chase with an unbeaten 40, taking the team across the line in only five overs. India lost two wickets during the chase but never appeared under pressure.
The victory keeps India’s campaign on course for another Asian Games gold medal. India are the defending champions after winning the women’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games.
The team also comes into the 2026 Games on the back of a strong run, having recently secured the Women’s Asia Cup title for the eighth time.
India Playing XI
Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Bharati Fulmali, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, G Kamalini, Shreyanka Patil, Sri Charani, Nandini Sharma, Kranti Gaud.
Japan Playing XI
Haruna Iwasaki, Akari Nishimora Kano (wicketkeeper), Mai Yanagida (captain), Erika Oda, Ahilya Chandel, Shimako Kato, Akaya Kato-Stafford, Ayumi Fujikawa, Hinase Goto, Erika Toguchi Quinn, Nonoha Yasumoto.
- With inputs from agencies
