Shree Charani, Shafali Shine as India Storm Into Asian Games Women’s Cricket Semifinals

India women stormed into the semifinals of the 2026 Asian Games cricket tournament with an eight-wicket victory over Japan in the quarterfinal. After opting to bowl first, India bundled out Japan for just 57 in 19.5 overs. Left-arm spinner Shree Charani was the standout performer with an impressive 4/10, while Shafali Verma claimed two wickets. Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil took one wicket each.

Chasing 58, India reached the target in just five overs. Shafali smashed an unbeaten 40 off 15 balls, including six fours and two sixes, while Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 12. India lost Kamalini and Bharti Fulmali, but the quick chase ensured a comfortable win. India will face Bangladesh in the semifinal on September 20. In the other quarterfinal, Sri Lanka defeated Malaysia and will meet Pakistan in the other semifinal.