India Storm Into Women's Asian Games 2026 Cricket Semi-Finals With Emphatic Win Over Host Japan
The Indian women's cricket team dominated hosts Japan in the 4th Quarter Final of the Women's Asian Games 2026 on September 18, 2026. India chased down Japan's total of 57 runs in just 5 overs with 8 wickets in hand, powered by a rapid 40 from Shafali Verma and a four-wicket haul from Shree Charani at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin.
The Indian women's cricket team began their Women's Asian Games 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, trouncing host nation Japan by eight wickets in a dominant 4th Quarter Final performance at Korogi Sports Park today, Friday, September 18, 2026. The Women in Blue showcased their class, wrapping up the match swiftly to book their spot in the semi-finals. Why Is Indian Cricket Team Wearing Different Jersey in Asian Games 2026?.
India Qualify For Women's Asian Games 2026 Cricket Semi-Finals
𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈-𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 👏👏
A convincing 8️⃣-wicket win for #TeamIndia in the quarter-final to seal a spot in the final four 🇮🇳
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/MIoR07Vyms #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/UANuW4ThHW
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) September 18, 2026
Japan's Batting Struggles
Having won the toss and electing to field first, India's bowlers immediately put pressure on the Japanese batters. Japan struggled to build any significant partnerships, eventually being bowled out for a paltry 57 runs in 19.5 overs. India's Shree Charani was the standout bowler, claiming an impressive four wickets to dismantle the Japanese innings.
Shafali Verma's Explosive Chase
Chasing a modest target of 58 runs, India's intent was clear from the outset. Opening batter Shafali Verma unleashed an astonishing display of power-hitting, smashing 40 runs off just 15 deliveries. Her innings included a flurry of boundaries and sixes, ensuring India's chase was over in a flash. Richa Ghosh provided solid support with a quickfire 12 runs off 6 balls, while Bharti Fulmali contributed 6 runs off 7 balls. Despite losing two wickets, India comfortably reached the target in a mere 5 overs, securing a resounding eight-wicket victory.
Japanese bowlers Nonoha Yasumoto (1 wicket for 8 runs from 2 overs) and Ayaka Kato-Stafford (1 wicket for 14 runs from 1 over) managed to pick up a wicket each, but it was not enough to stem the Indian charge.
Road to the Semi-Finals
This emphatic win propels India, the defending champions from the 2023 Asian Games, into the semi-finals of the Women's Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament. Their dominant start underscores their strong intent to clinch another gold medal. IND vs JPN, Women's Asian Games 2026 Quarterfinal Toss Report and Playing XIs.
Head-to-Head and Context
This quarter-final clash marked the first-ever T20 International meeting between the India women's cricket team and the Japan women's cricket team, adding a historic note to India's emphatic triumph. India entered the tournament as strong favourites, fresh off a record-extending eighth Women's Asia Cup title.
India's commanding performance sets a strong precedent for their journey in the Women's Asian Games 2026, as they now prepare to face their next challenge in the semi-finals with considerable momentum.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 12:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
