Asian Games 2026: Shree Charani's career-best performance take India into semi final

India have qualified for the semi-final of the Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket event after a dominating win over Japan in the fourth quarter-final on Friday, September 18 at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. The Women in Blue hammered Japan by eight wickets, chasing down the paltry target of 58 in five overs.

Shree Charani continued her marvellous form from the recent Asia Cup, registering her career-best figures to help skittle Japan for just 57 in 19.5 overs. The left-arm spinner picked up a four-wicket haul (4/10), while Shafali Verma (2/13) also chipped in with two wickets.

Apart from them, Deepti Sharma (1/14) and Shreyanka Patil (1/9, 3.5 overs) took one wicket each. In reply, Shafali Verma (40* off 15) came out all guns blazing and got the support from Richa Ghosh (12* off 6) to help India chase down the target in just five overs.

As a result, India sealed their spot in the semi-final, where they will lock horns with Bangladesh on Sunday, September 20, at the same venue. Earlier, Sri Lanka also advanced to the semi-final, following a comprehensive 86-run victory over Malaysia in the third Quarter-final.

Sri Lanka to face Pakistan in semi-final

After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a good score of 160/4 in their allotted 20 overs, with Chamari Athapaththu (63 off 37) leading from the front with a terrific half-century. Kavisha Dilhari (44* off 27) also made a valuable contribution, while Harshitha Samarawickrama (25 off 18) played a handy cameo. 

In reply, Malaysia were restricted to 74/7 in their allotted 20 overs as Kavisha Dilhari (2/4, 3 overs), Athapaththu (2/3, 3 overs) and Mithali Ayodhya (2/15, 3 overs) scalped two wickets each. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will next take on Pakistan in the first semi-final on September 20.