India defeats Japan by 8 wickets in Asian Games Women's T20 quarterfinal

India's women's cricket team secured a dominant 8-wicket victory over Japan in the Asian Games 2026 Women's T20 quarterfinal on 18 September, advancing to the semifinals where they will face Bangladesh.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first at Nisshin, India's spinners delivered a comprehensive bowling performance. Japan was restricted to 57 runs in 19.5 overs, with no batter managing significant resistance. Opener Ayaka Kato-Stafford top-scored with 25 runs off 47 balls, while four Japanese batters were dismissed without opening their accounts. India's bowling attack was led by left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who took 4 wickets for 10 runs in 4 overs—her best T20I performance. Shafali Verma contributed 2 wickets, while Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil each claimed one. Two Japanese batters were also run out.

Chasing the modest target of 58 runs, India completed the chase in just 5 overs with 2 wickets lost. Opener Shafali Verma played the decisive role, scoring 40 not out off 15 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes, including the match-winning six off the fifth over. Gunalan Kamalini departed without scoring in the second over, and Bharti Fulmali was dismissed for 6, but Richa Ghosh (12 not out off 6 balls) provided support to Verma to seal victory.

This was India's first-ever T20I meeting against Japan. India, the defending Asian Games champions from 2023, enter the semifinals on the back of their recent Asia Cup triumph, where they won all five matches without defeat. The Indian team is seeking to retain their gold medal in the tournament.