Photo via Hindustan Times

India vs Japan Asian Games Women LIVE: Kranti Gaud opens the proceedings for India

Reigning Asian Games gold medalists India launched their quarterfinal clash at the Aichi-Nagoya tournament against hosts Japan in Nisshin by choosing to field first. The squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur entered the fixture carrying the momentum of an unbeaten run at the recent Asia Cup, where they triumphed over Thailand, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Kranti Gaud initiated the bowling attack for India, conceding merely two runs in the opening over off a third-ball offside drive by Haruna Iwasaki, who opened the batting alongside Akari Nishimura Kano. Following another tight over delivered by Nandani Sharma, the Japanese side reached 12 runs without loss after the initial four overs.