Indian women’s team thrash Japan to begin Asian Games cricket title defense in fashion.

Nisshin: India defeat Japan in their opening fixture of Asian Games 2026 by blistering 8 wicket margin as they advance to the semi finals. India chased down Japan’s 57 run target in 5 overs with 15 more to spare. Shafali Verma’s all-round display, proved crucial once again in the win, scoring 40 off just 15 deliveries and picking up 2 wickets.

Having won the toss, captain Harmanpreet Kaur decided to field first, which was justified by an exceptional performance from the team. The bowling unit showcased an economic effort, led by an outstanding spell from Sree Charani (4 overs; 10/4), to restrict the Japan side to a sub par total. Ayako Kato-Stafford 25(47), was the top scorer for Japan, with Haruna Iwasaki 10(22), being the only other batter to cross double-figures for the hosts.

Brief Score:

Japan: 57 all out in 19.5 overs (Ayaka Kato-Stafford 25, Sree Charani 4/10, Shafali Verma 2/13).

India. 59 for 2 in 5 overs (Shafali Verma 40 not out; Nonoha Yasumoto 1/8).