Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
India booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Cricket event at the Asian Games 2026 after a commanding eight-wicket victory over Japan in the quarter-final on Friday.
After winning the toss, India opted to bowl first and completely dominated the Japanese batting line-up. Japan were bowled out for just 57 runs in 19.5 overs, with Indian bowlers maintaining pressure throughout the innings.
Shri Charani starred with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Shafali Verma picked up two. Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil chipped in with one wicket each, while two Japanese batters were run out.
Chasing a modest target of 58, India raced to victory in just five overs, losing only two wickets. Shafali Verma led the charge with an unbeaten 40 runs, ensuring a swift finish and a place in the last four.
India entered the tournament as the defending Asian Games champions, having won the gold medal at the 2023 edition. The team also recently secured its eighth Women’s Asia Cup title, continuing its impressive run in international cricket.
India’s playing XI included Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, G Kamalini, Shreyanka Patil, Shri Charani, Nandini Sharma and Kranti Goud.
