Nisshin (Japan): Defending champions India cruised into the semifinals of the women’s cricket competition at the with a commanding eight-wicket victory over hosts Japan on Friday.
India produced a clinical bowling performance to dismiss Japan for just 57 runs in 19.5 overs after opting to field first. The victory marked a strong start to their title defence and secured their place in the last four.
Left-arm spinner Shree Charani led India’s attack with an impressive spell of 4/10 in four overs. Shafali Verma also made a significant contribution with the ball, claiming two wickets for 13 runs.
Japan struggled to build partnerships, with opener Ayaka Kato-Stafford emerging as their top scorer with 25 off 47 balls.
Chasing 58 for victory, India lost openers Gunalan Kamalini and Bharti Fulmali early. However, Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh ensured there was no further trouble.
Shafali smashed an unbeaten 40, while Richa remained not out on 12 as India reached 59/2 in just five overs. Shafali’s aggressive batting included several boundaries and a six to complete the emphatic chase.
India’s victory came with 90 balls to spare, underlining their dominance over Japan.
The Indian women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will now turn its attention to the semifinals, scheduled for September 20. Bangladesh are set to be India’s next opponents in the knockout stage.
Brief scores
Japan: 57 all out in 19.5 overs (Ayaka Kato-Stafford 25; Shree Charani 4/10, Shafali Verma 2/13).
India: 59/2 in 5 overs (Shafali Verma 40 not out, Richa Ghosh 12 not out; Nonoha Yasumoto 1/8).