Shree Charani’s four and Shafali’s quick-fire 40 help India beat Japan in Asian Games quarter-finals

India beat Japan by 8 wickets to set up semi-final against Bangladesh (Image: BCCI/) India Women produced a dominant all-round performance to beat Japan by eight wickets in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Asian Games to book their place in the semi-finals against Bangladesh.The result also results in a repeat of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup semi-final line-up, with Sri Lanka taking on Pakistan in the final four.

Shree Charani is playing at 57 in Japan

After winning the toss and electing to field, the Indian bowlers dismantled the Japanese batting line-up and restricted 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. Shafali Verma also chipped in with two wickets for 13 runs.Ayaka Kato-Stafford top-scored for Japan with 25 off 47 balls, but the hosts struggled to build a partnership against India’s disciplined attack.

Shafali and Richa completed the chase in five overs

India’s chase was emphatic as they reached the target in just five overs, finishing on 59/2 and winning with 90 balls to spare. Shafali Verma set the tone with a 15-ball 40, hitting six fours and two sixes. She hit four boundaries in the opener and later sealed the victory with a six off Shimako Kato.India promoted Kamalini and Fulmali up the order but the move did not pay off, Kamalini was dismissed for a duck and Fulmali scored a six. Shafali then combined with Richa Ghosh, who came on at No. 4, to complete the chase in a hurry.After the winning hit, the pair shared a warm hug before going over to greet the Japanese players. Japan’s two goals offered a small positive from an otherwise difficult outing.

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