India Women Blow Away Japan In Five Overs To Reach Asian Games Cricket Semifinals

Defending champions India stormed into the Asian Games women’s cricket semifinals with a commanding eight-wicket win over hosts Japan on Friday, riding a superb all-round display from Shafali Verma and a four-wicket burst by left-arm spinner Shree Charani.

India first restricted Japan to a modest 57 all out, with Charani returning career-best T20 figures of 4/10 and Shafali contributing 2/13. The target proved little challenge as India raced to victory in just five overs.

Shafali took centre stage during the chase, smashing an unbeaten 40 off 15 balls, while Richa Ghosh provided valuable support with 12 off six deliveries. India lost opener Gunalan Kamalini and Bharti Fulmali, but there was never any real doubt about the outcome.

Japan's players did manage moments of celebration after claiming the two wickets, but their inexperienced batting line-up struggled against India's disciplined bowling attack.

Charani led the charge with her best figures in T20 cricket. She dismissed Japan opener Haruna Iwasaki for 10 before removing captain Mai Yanagida off the very next delivery in the seventh over, continuing her impressive recent run in the format.

The Japanese batters found it difficult to score freely from the beginning. They managed only 24 runs during the Power Play, hitting just two fours, with one coming off an edge through the slips.

Shafali, who also bowled off-spin, returned later to remove Japan's top scorer Ayaka Kato-Stafford, who made 25, and Shimako Kato. Both wickets came as Japan attempted aggressive aerial shots.

The pitch offered significant turn and bounce, adding to Japan's difficulties against India's experienced spin attack. Two run-outs further compounded their problems, highlighting the hosts' struggles with running between the wickets.

India will now face Bangladesh in the semifinal on September 20, as the defending champions continue their campaign to retain the Asian Games gold medal.