Photo via Hindustan Times

India vs Japan Asian Games Women LIVE: Shree Charani strikes after powerplay rattle Japan

Reigning champions India chose to field first against hosts Japan in their Asian Games quarterfinal clash at Nisshin, aiming to secure a semifinal matchup with Bangladesh. Fresh off an undefeated five-game run to claim the Asia Cup title with victories over Thailand, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, Harmanpreet Kaur's squad quickly dismantled the Japanese top order.

After Japan reached 12 without loss across the first four overs, Shree Charani changed the momentum by delivering a double-wicket maiden in the seventh over. Smriti Mandhana caught Iwasaki for 10 before opposing skipper Yanagida departed for a duck caught behind.

Japan stood at 30 for 2 by the tenth over, but Deepti Sharma soon claimed their third wicket to keep the hosts firmly under pressure.