ASIAN GAMES 2026 | It’s a stroll in the park for India against Japan
The Indian women's cricket team secured a convincing eight-wicket victory over Japan in the Asian Games quarter-finals. Despite the sport's low profile in Japan, the match drew dedicated fans and highlighted the growing international reach of Indian cricket.
Why it matters
The event showcases the expansion of cricket in non-traditional markets and the cultural impact of Indian athletes on the global stage.
Cricket barely scratches the sporting surface in Japan but there is no dearth of fans here for a sport that many would struggle to identify on screen. And no one has more, at least among the volunteers at the Korogi Sports Park, than Harmanpreet Kaur.
Even though the Indian captain did not come out to bat as India first decimated the Japanese batting, then strolled past the 58-run target in five overs for an eight-wicket win, the player with jersey No. 23 remains famous.
“I don’t know the name but No. 23, I like her. My friend is an Indian and he also likes her game a lot. I really like watching the sport and her game,” a volunteer gushed.
India’s Shafali Verma plays a shot during the Asian Games women’s quarterfinal cricket match against Japan, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI
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