Team India has marched into the semi-finals of the women's cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games after producing a dominant performance against Japan. India defeated the hosts by eight wickets in the quarter-final, wrapping up the chase in just 30 balls.

After winning the toss, India opted to bowl first and immediately put Japan under pressure. The Japanese batting lineup struggled against India's experienced bowling attack and was eventually bowled out for just 57 runs.

India then made light work of the modest target, reaching 58 for two in only five overs.

Sri Charani Leads India's Bowling Attack

Left-arm spinner Sri Charani was the standout bowler for India, producing the best T20 figures of her career.

She finished with an impressive 4/10, causing major problems for Japan's top order. Her spell became particularly damaging when she struck twice in consecutive deliveries, removing opener Haruna Iwasaki and captain Mai Yanagida.

The pitch offered considerable turn and bounce, allowing India's spinners to make the most of the conditions.

India's dominance was reflected in Japan's boundary count. The hosts managed just three boundaries throughout their innings.

Japan Struggles to Build Momentum

Japan found scoring extremely difficult from the opening over.

The hosts managed only 24 runs during the six-over powerplay, with one of their two fours coming off an edge that went towards slip.

Shafali Verma also contributed with the ball, bowling a disciplined spell and picking up two wickets for 13 runs.

India's fielders added to Japan's problems, with two Japanese batters being dismissed through run-outs. With wickets falling regularly and the run rate failing to accelerate, Japan's innings never gained momentum.

Shafali Verma Finishes the Job in Style

Chasing 58, India got off to a flying start through Shafali Verma.

Although India lost two wickets early in the chase, Shafali remained aggressive and ensured there was no pressure on the team. She smashed an unbeaten 40 from just 15 deliveries.

Her explosive knock included six fours and two sixes, giving India complete control of the chase.

Richa Ghosh provided support at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 12 from six balls.

India eventually reached 58/2 in just five overs, completing an eight-wicket victory with plenty of deliveries to spare.

India Through to the Semi-Finals

The emphatic win sends India into the women's cricket semi-finals at the 2026 Asian Games.

Sri Charani's four-wicket haul and Shafali Verma's blistering 15-ball 40 were the highlights of a match in which India dominated both with the ball and the bat.

With Japan restricted to only 57 and the target chased down in 30 balls, India made a strong statement in the knockout stage.