Asian Games 2026: Charani, Shafali shine as India outclass Japan to enter semis
India's women's cricket team secured a spot in the Asian Games semifinals after a dominant eight-wicket victory over Japan. Spinners Shree Charani and Shafali Verma were instrumental in restricting Japan to a low total before India chased it down quickly.
Why it matters
The victory reinforces India's status as a top contender in regional cricket tournaments.
Opener Shafali Verma's all-round brilliance and left-arm spinner Shree Charani's devastating spell powered defending gold-medallists India into the Asian Games women's cricket semifinals with a dominant eight-wicket win over an inexperienced Japan, in Nisshin on Friday (September 18, 2026).
Charani (4/10) and Shafali (2/13) shared six wickets among them as India bowled out Japan for a paltry 57, and then chased down the target in just five overs to set up a clash with Bangladesh on September 20.
Shafali (40 not out, 15 balls) played the lead role in that pygmy-sized chase, along with Richa Ghosh (12, six balls).
However, Japan also had some moments to cheer as they managed to dismiss opener Gunalan Kamalini and one down batter Bharti Fulmali.
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