Asian Games: India Women Storm Into Semifinals With 8-Wicket Win Over Japan

India’s women’s cricket team began their gold medal defence in emphatic fashion, defeating hosts Japan by eight wickets in the fourth quarterfinal at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Friday.

Chasing just 58, India raced to the target in only five overs, with Shafali Verma smashing an unbeaten 40 off 15 balls. Sree Charani also starred with the ball, claiming four wickets for 10 runs.

Shafali Powers India’s Quick Chase

India opened the chase with Shafali and G Kamalini. Kamalini was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Nonoha Yasumoto in the second over.

Shafali, however, took control immediately, hitting four boundaries in the opening over as India collected 17 runs.

Bharti Fulmali was dismissed for six in the third over, but Shafali continued her assault. She struck three more fours in the fifth over before finishing the match with a six.

Richa Ghosh also contributed a quick 12 off six balls, including two boundaries.

Charani Leads Japan Collapse

Earlier, Sree Charani produced a superb spell to restrict Japan to 57. The No. 1-ranked T20I bowler finished with figures of 4-10 from her four overs.

Charani had also taken four wickets for 20 runs in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka.

Shafali chipped in with two wickets, while Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma claimed one wicket each as India dismissed the hosts for a modest total.

India To Face Bangladesh In Semifinal

India will face Bangladesh in the second semifinal on Saturday.

Bangladesh advanced after their quarterfinal against China was washed out. As the higher-ranked side, Bangladesh progressed to the semifinals.

The first semifinal will see Pakistan take on Sri Lanka earlier on Saturday.