New Delhi: Defending champions India stormed into the women’s cricket semi finals at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating hosts Japan by eight wickets in a historic quarter final on Friday. India bowled Japan out for just 57 before reaching the target in only five overs.
India’s spinners controlled the match after Japan made a steady start. Openers Ayaka Kato Stafford and Haruna Iwasaki negotiated the opening six overs, but India quickly took control once the spin attack was introduced.
Shree Charani produced the standout bowling performance, claiming four wickets for just 10 runs from her four overs. She also bowled two maiden overs as Japan struggled to find scoring opportunities. Shafali Verma contributed with two wickets, while Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil took one each as Japan were dismissed for 57 in 19.5 overs.
The match was particularly significant as it marked the first international cricket meeting between India and Japan. Japan also recorded a historic moment during the chase when Nonoha Yasumoto and Kato Stafford claimed the first two wickets Japan had taken against a full member ICC nation in a women’s T20I.
However, India quickly erased any remaining uncertainty in the chase. Shafali Verma launched an aggressive attack, smashing an unbeaten 40 from only 15 deliveries. Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 12 as India reached 59 for two in five overs, completing an eight wicket victory with 15 overs to spare.
The victory sends India into the semi finals, where they are scheduled to face Bangladesh.
