Asian Games: Charani, Shafali help India beat Japan, to face Bangladesh in semis
The Indian women's cricket team defeated Japan by eight wickets in the 2026 Asian Games quarter-finals, led by a dominant bowling performance from Shree Charani. India will now face Bangladesh in the semi-finals, while Sri Lanka and Pakistan compete in the other bracket.
Why it matters
This victory highlights the growing competitiveness of women's cricket in the Asian Games and sets up high-stakes regional rivalries in the semi-finals.
India Women produced a dominant all-round performance to thrash Japan by eight wickets in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Asian Games, booking their place in the semi-finals against Bangladesh.The result also sets up a repeat of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semi-final line-up, with Sri Lanka set to face Pakistan in the other last-four clash.Shree Charani stars as Japan are bowled out for 57After winning the toss and opting to field, India’s bowlers dismantled Japan’s batting line-up, restricting the hosts to just 57 in 19.5 overs. Shree Charani led the charge with a remarkable spell of 4/10, including two maiden overs, to register the best bowling figures by an Indian at the Asian Games.
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