Asian Games: Charani, Shafali help India beat Japan, to face Bangladesh in semis

India beat Japan by 8 wickets, set up semi-final against Bangladesh (Image: BCCI/)

India Women produced a dominant all-round performance to thrash Japan by eight wickets in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Asian Games, booking their place in the semi-finals against Bangladesh.The result also sets up a repeat of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semi-final line-up, with Sri Lanka set to face Pakistan in the other last-four clash.

Shree Charani stars as Japan are bowled out for 57

After winning the toss and opting to field, India’s bowlers dismantled Japan’s batting line-up, restricting 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 partnerships against India’s disciplined attack.

Shafali and Richa wrap up chase in five overs

India’s chase was emphatic, as they reached the target in just five overs, finishing at 59/2 and winning with 90 balls to spare. Shafali Verma set the tone with a blistering 40 off 15 balls, striking six fours and two sixes.

She hammered four boundaries in the opening over and later sealed the victory with a six off Shimako Kato.India had promoted Kamalini and Fulmali up the order, but the move did not pay off, with Kamalini dismissed for a duck and Fulmali scoring six. Shafali then combined with Richa Ghosh, who came in at No. 4, to complete the chase in a hurry.The pair shared a warm hug after the winning hit before crossing over to greet the Japanese players. Japan’s two wickets offered a small positive from an otherwise difficult outing.