India Storm Into Asian Games Women's Cricket Semifinals After Eight-Wicket Win

Shree Charani led India's bowling effort with figures of 4/10, while Shafali Verma produced an all-round performance to complete a dominant outing. India's victory sets up a semifinal encounter against Bangladesh on September 20.

Shafali took charge of the short run-chase, smashing an unbeaten 40 off 15 deliveries. Richa Ghosh provided further momentum with a quickfire 12 from six balls. Japan did manage moments of celebration after removing opener Gunalan Kamalini and one-down batter Bharti Fulmali early in the innings, displaying strong spirit despite defending a small target. However, the experience of Shafali and Ghosh ensured India reached the target without further alarm.

After opting to field first, India's spin attack dismantled the Japanese batting lineup and restricted them to only three boundaries across the entire 20 overs. Against the elite opposition, Japan struggled to build momentum and managed just 24 runs in the powerplay, with two boundaries, one of which came off a slip edge.

Indian spinners dominate Japanese batting

Left-arm spinner Shree Charani triggered Japan's collapse in the seventh over by dismissing opener Haruna Iwasaki for 10 and captain Mai Yanagida off consecutive deliveries. The double strike gave Charani career-best T20 figures of 4/10.

Shafali then contributed with her off-spin, finishing with figures of 2/13. She dismissed Japan's top scorer Ayaka Kato-Stafford, who made 25, in the 15th over before removing Shimako Kato in the 17th over. Both batters were dismissed while attempting aerial shots that were caught by Indian fielders.

The turning pitch, which offered sharp bounce, made scoring difficult for Japan's batters against India's highly skilled bowling attack. Poor running between the wickets also hurt Japan, with two run-outs adding to their problems. The home batters repeatedly struggled with coordination while running between the wickets, further restricting their scoring.

With Japan bowled out for 57 and India completing the chase in only five overs, the defending champions moved into the semifinals and will face Bangladesh on September 20.

In the other semifinal scheduled for Sunday, Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka, who secured their place in the last four after defeating Malaysia by 86 runs in their quarterfinal clash.