Asian Games Semifinals Set
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka reach Asian Games cricket semifinals
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Key Points
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Shafali Verma’s unbeaten 40 included six fours and two sixes, while Richa Ghosh added an unbeaten 12 as India reached 59 for two with 90 balls remaining.
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Japan’s innings was anchored by Ayaka Kato-Stafford, who top-scored with 25 from 47 balls; Haruna Iwasaki was the only other Japanese batter to reach double figures, scoring 10.
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Sri Lanka’s total was also supported by Kavisha Dilhari’s unbeaten 44 from 27 balls and Harshitha Samarawickrama’s 25 from 18; Malaysia finished on 74 for seven, with Winifred Duraisingam making 28.
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Pakistan’s chase deteriorated from 36 for no loss to 47 for four after four wickets fell for 11 runs in 14 balls, leaving the team needing 45 runs from 30 balls before Fatima Sana and Eyman Fatima produced a 25-run over.
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Pakistan are the most successful women’s cricket team in Asian Games history, having won gold at Guangzhou 2010 and defended the title at Incheon 2014; they finished fourth at the 2022 edition.
India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan advanced to the women's cricket semifinals at the 2026 Asian Games, setting up two decisive matchups on September 20. CricTracker reported that India demolished hosts Japan with an eight-wicket victory, while Pakistan survived a nervy three-wicket chase against Thailand in an 11-over rain-shortened match. Sri Lanka dominated Malaysia by 86 runs, and Bangladesh progressed when rain washed out its quarterfinal against China.
India's Shafali Verma led the day's performances with an explosive unbeaten 40 off 15 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes, as Japan crumbled to just 57 all out. Republic World highlighted Pakistan captain Fatima Sana's all-around heroics—she took 2/22 with the ball and scored a crucial 21 runs, including a decisive 25-run eighth over that turned the chase around. The semifinals will pit India against Bangladesh and Pakistan against Sri Lanka.
India's Demolition of Japan Sets Tournament Tone
India's women's cricket team overwhelmed Japan in just 5 overs, chasing down 57 with eight wickets intact and 90 balls to spare. India Today noted that Japan's batting order collapsed completely, with only Ayaka Kato-Stafford reaching 25 and Haruna Iwasaki scoring 10. India's Shree Charani spun India to victory, claiming 4/12 and dismantling Japan's lower middle order.
Shafali Verma's unbeaten 40 off 15 balls came off six fours and two sixes, showcasing India's aggressive intent. Richa Ghosh added an unbeaten 12 as India's openers took charge immediately. Tribune India reported the eight-wicket win sent India directly into the semifinals as defending Asian Games champions from Hangzhou 2023.
Pakistan Escapes Thailand Collapse to Reach Semis
Pakistan nearly stumbled badly, slumping from 36/0 to 47/4 in just 14 balls before recovering to chase down 92 in an 11-over match. ANI News reported that Fatima Sana orchestrated Pakistan's comeback, scoring 21 off 13 balls and producing a devastating 25-run eighth over with Eyman Fatima. Pakistan won by three wickets with two balls remaining in a tense finish.
Thailand's Nannapat Koncharoenkai anchored the innings with 49 off 38 balls, lifting Thailand to 91/4. Fatima Sana's two-wicket haul with the ball sealed Pakistan's escape. This marks Pakistan's return to form after recent setbacks—they won gold at Guangzhou 2010 and Incheon 2014 but finished fourth at the 2022 Games.
Sri Lanka's Dominant Win Over Malaysia Secures Spot
Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu smashed 63 off 37 balls to lead her team to 160/4, then watched Malaysia crumble to 74/7. Kavisha Dilhari's unbeaten 44 off 27 balls and Harshitha Samarawickrama's 25 off 18 gave Sri Lanka multiple attacking options. Malaysia's Winifred Duraisingam managed 28 but couldn't build a platform.
Sri Lanka won by 86 runs in a one-sided contest that showcased their batting depth and Athapaththu's aggressive captaincy. Athapaththu also took 2/3 with the ball, controlling Malaysia's chase early. Sri Lanka now faces Pakistan in the semifinals.
Bangladesh Advances Without Playing as China Match Washed Out
Bangladesh qualified for the semifinals when rain washed out its quarterfinal against China, with the higher-ranked Bangladesh automatically progressing. This controversial advancement gives Bangladesh a rest advantage heading into the India semifinal on September 20. However, Bangladesh will lack competitive match practice at Kōrogi Sports Park, where all quarterfinals took place.
The rain washout highlighted structural fairness issues in the tournament's knockout format. While India and Pakistan fought off-field challenges through wet outfields, Bangladesh entered the semis fresh but untested. India, as defending champion and the tournament favorite, will be heavy favorites against a Bangladesh side seeking to reach the final.
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