Nishin, 18 September (H.S.): The Indian women’s cricket team began its Asian Games campaign in emphatic fashion on Friday, defeating Japan by eight wickets to advance to the semi-finals. India will face Bangladesh in the second semi-final on Sunday afternoon, according to local time.

In the first semi-final on Sunday morning, Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka, while India will meet Bangladesh later in the day.

In the match against Japan, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bowl first. Japan struggled against the Indian attack and were bowled out for just 57 runs in 19.5 overs.

Ayaka Kato-Stafford was Japan’s top scorer, making 25 runs from 47 deliveries with two boundaries. Haruna Iwasaki contributed 10 runs from 22 balls, including one four. No other Japanese batter managed to reach double figures. Japan struck only three fours during the entire innings.

For India, Shree Charani was the leading wicket-taker with four wickets, while Shafali Verma claimed two. Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil took one wicket each, while two Japanese batters were dismissed through run-outs.

Chasing a modest target of 58, India made a blistering start through Shafali Verma, who struck four boundaries in the opening over. Japan, however, responded quickly in the second over when Nanaho Yasumoto dismissed G. Kamalini for a duck, giving India its first setback.

Yasumoto bowled a maiden over while also claiming Kamalini’s wicket. Bharati Fulmali then joined Shafali at the crease but could not stay for long, falling to Ayaka Kato-Stafford after scoring six runs.

Shafali continued her aggressive approach at the other end and sealed a comfortable eight-wicket victory by hitting a six off the final delivery of the fifth over.

She remained unbeaten on 40 from just 15 balls, smashing six fours and two sixes. Richa Ghosh provided strong support, finishing unbeaten on 12 from six deliveries, including two boundaries.

For Japan, Ayaka Kato-Stafford and Nanaho Yasumoto claimed one wicket each.

India will now turn its attention to Sunday’s semi-final against Bangladesh, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet in the other semi-final earlier that day.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar