India Women Thrash Japan to Reach Asian Games Semi-Final
India bowled Japan out for 57, with Shree Charani taking 4 for 10, then chased the target in five overs behind Shafali Verma’s unbeaten 40.
By SportCricket Desk · 18 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
India made short work of hosts Japan in their Asian Games quarter-final, winning comfortably to book a semi-final against Bangladesh.
Bowlers dominate
Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and chose to bowl. Japan were bowled out for 57 in 19.5 overs. NR Shree Charani was the pick of the attack with 4 for 10 from her four overs, Shafali Verma took two wickets, and Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil one each.
A five-over chase
India reached the target in five overs, losing two wickets. Shafali was unbeaten on 40 from 15 balls, with six fours and two sixes, and she finished the game with a six.
Background
The win sends India into the last four, where they meet Bangladesh Women at the same venue. India came in ranked third in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings and are defending Asian Games champions. They also recently won the Women’s Asia Cup for a record-extending eighth time.
Japan’s campaign is over. Their best Asian Games finish remains the bronze medal at the 2010 edition.
