Photo via Hindustan Times

Shree Charani’s 4/10 sets the tone and Shafali Verma does the rest as India thump Japan to reach Asian Games semis

India's women's cricket team secured an eight-wicket victory over tournament hosts Japan on Friday to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 Asian Games in Nisshin. 5 overs following a cautious 24-run powerplay.

Shree Charani led the charge with 4 for 10, Shafali Verma claimed two scalps, and both Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma picked up a wicket apiece, leaving Ayaka Kato Stafford as Japan's primary contributor with 25 off 47 deliveries.

Chasing 58, India reached their target in five overs with 90 deliveries remaining despite losing Gunalan Kamalini for a duck to Nonoha Yasumoto and Bharti Fulmali for six to Kato Stafford. Verma dominated the chase with an undefeated 40 off 15 deliveries featuring six fours and two sixes, sealing the match with a maximum alongside Richa Ghosh, who added an unbeaten 12 from six balls.

India will next face Bangladesh on Sunday, who progressed after their quarterfinal against China was abandoned due to rain.