Charani's 4-10 bowls Japan out for 57 as India cruise into Asian Games SF
Synopsis
Sree Charani is making this Asian Games tournament her own. Back-to-back four-wicket hauls — including a devastating 4-10 against Japan — have the No. 1-ranked T20I bowler running through opponents at will, and defending gold medallists India look every bit the team to beat as they march into the semifinals.
Key Takeaways
Sree Charani claimed 4 for 10 in four overs against Japan at the Women's Asian Games 2026 quarterfinal on 18 September 2026 .
This was her second consecutive four-wicket haul, following 4 for 20 against Sri Lanka in the earlier stage.
Japan were bowled out for 57 after reaching 24 for 0 in the powerplay at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin .
Ayaka Kato-Stafford was Japan's highest scorer with 25 off 47 balls ; Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma took one wicket each; Shreyanka Patil claimed the final wicket.
India, the defending gold medallists , advance to the semifinals of the women's cricket event.
No. 1-ranked T20I bowler Sree Charani delivered another match-winning spell, claiming 4 wickets for 10 runs in four overs as India dismissed hosts Japan for a meagre 57 in the fourth quarterfinal of the Women's Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin on 18 September 2026. The result sends India comfortably into the semifinals, with their bowlers wrapping up the Japanese innings well inside 20 overs.
Charani Dominates with Second Straight Four-Fer
The young left-arm spinner was virtually unplayable, picking up four wickets across her spell in what was her second consecutive four-wicket haul at these Games. She had earlier claimed 4 for 20 against Sri Lanka in the final of the victorious Asian Games 2026 campaign, underlining her status as India's premier spinning threat. Against Japan, her figures of 4 for 10 were a masterclass in economy and guile, removing Haruna Iwasaki for 10 and then dismissing Japanese captain Mai Yanagida for a golden duck with a delivery that found the edge. She returned in the 19th over to seal her four-fer, removing Akari Kano via a leading edge caught at short mid-wicket and then accounting for Erika Toguchi Quinn, who top-edged to deep fielder Shafali Verma.
Supporting Cast Completes the Rout
Shafali Verma chipped in with two wickets of her own. She dismissed the other Japanese opener Ayaka Kato-Stafford — Japan's top scorer with 25 off 47 balls — caught at mid-on, and later removed the struggling Shimako Kato for three in the 17th over with a quicker delivery. Deepti Sharma contributed one wicket, having Erika Oda caught at deep mid-wicket for five. Shreyanka Patil, returning from a lengthy injury layoff, also made her mark, clean-bowling Nonoha Yasumoto for a duck to claim the final wicket.
How Japan's Innings Unfolded
India, the defending gold medallists at the Asian Games, opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Japan's openers Haruna Iwasaki and Ayaka Kato-Stafford negotiated the powerplay without losing a wicket, reaching 24 for 0 in six overs. However, the middle overs proved disastrous for the hosts. India's bowlers struck repeatedly, and running between the wickets also let Japan down — Hinase Goto was run out for one, with Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh combining well to effect the dismissal. Ahilya Chandel was then run out following a terrible mix-up in the 18th over, leaving Japan reeling at 53 for 7 in 17.2 overs before being bowled out for 57.
India's Path to the Semifinals
India enter the semifinals as strong favourites, having restricted the hosts to their lowest total in the tournament. Charani's back-to-back four-wicket hauls signal that the bowling attack is firing at exactly the right moment in the competition. With players like Shafali, Deepti, and an improving Shreyanka all contributing, India's bowling depth looks formidable heading into the knockout stages. The team will look to replicate this clinical performance when they face their semifinal opponent.
Point of View
Having a No. 1-ranked T20I spinner replicating such numbers in back-to-back knockout matches signals a structural shift. The return of Shreyanka Patil from injury, combined with Deepti Sharma's consistency, means opponents can no longer target one end. Japan's collapse from 24 for 0 to 57 all out encapsulates the chasm in cricket infrastructure between India and emerging Asian nations — a gap the Asian Games format is both exposing and, over time, meant to narrow.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Sree Charani's bowling figures against Japan at Asian Games 2026?
Sree Charani took 4 wickets for 10 runs in four overs against Japan in the quarterfinal of the Women's Asian Games 2026 on 18 September 2026. It was her second consecutive four-wicket haul at the tournament, after claiming 4 for 20 against Sri Lanka.
What total did Japan score in the Asian Games 2026 women's cricket quarterfinal?
Japan were bowled out for 57 in the fourth quarterfinal at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. Their highest scorer was Ayaka Kato-Stafford, who made 25 off 47 balls before being dismissed by Shafali Verma.
Which India bowlers took wickets against Japan in the Asian Games quarterfinal?
Sree Charani led the way with 4 for 10, while Shafali Verma picked up two wickets. Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil — who is returning from a long injury layoff — claimed one wicket each. Two Japanese batters were also run out.
Are India the defending champions at the Asian Games women's cricket event?
Yes, India are the defending gold medallists at the Asian Games women's cricket event. Their quarterfinal win over Japan sees them advance to the semifinals, continuing their title defence.
Where is the Women's Asian Games 2026 cricket being played?
The women's cricket event at the 2026 Asian Games is being held at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. India faced the hosts Japan there in the fourth quarterfinal on 18 September 2026.
