Asian Games 2026: Dominant India Women’s Cricket Team Demolishes...
India’s women’s cricket team launched their campaign at the 20th Asian Games with an emphatic, clinical performance on Friday, September 18, 2026,...
By GT24x7 Reporter··GlobalToday24x7
India’s women’s cricket team initiated their continental championship campaign on Friday, September 18, 2026, with an authoritative performance, decimating host nation Japan by eight wickets in their quarter-final encounter at Nisshin. Electing to bowl first after winning the toss under favorable conditions, the Indian bowling unit unleashed an unrelenting assault on the Japanese batting lineup, bowling them out for a paltry 57 runs in 19.5 overs before chasing down the target in just 5 overs to punch their ticket to the semi-finals.
Slow left-arm orthodox spinner Sri Charani orchestrated Japan's collapse, claiming 4 wickets for just 9 runs in an exceptional display of flight, turn, and discipline. Dynamic opening batter Shafali Verma chipped in with her part-time spin to capture 2 critical wickets, while off-spinner Shreyanka Patil and veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma grabbed one wicket apiece to ensure the hosts never recovered. In response, India attacked the modest 58-run target with aggressive stroke play, reaching 59 for the loss of two wickets in exactly 30 deliveries to secure victory with 90 balls remaining. Alongside cricket, Indian athletes also initiated their competitive runs across Soft Tennis and Teqball disciplines.
Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor Named Contingent Flag-Bearers
India's commanding cricketing triumph arrives on the eve of the formal Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, where two of the country's decorated athletes will carry the national tri-color:
* Pistol Ace Manu Bhaker: Shooter Manu Bhaker, who made Indian sporting history at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by capturing two individual bronze medals—becoming the first Indian athlete in post-independence history to claim two podium finishes in a single Olympic edition—will lead the contingent.
* Continental Shot-Put Giant Tajinderpal Singh Toor: Seasoned thrower Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who established an era of continental dominance with back-to-back Asian Games gold medals at Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2022, will join Bhaker as joint flag-bearer.
* Extensive Multi-Discipline Campaign: Running through October 4, 2026, the Asian Games features an Indian delegation of over 600 athletes competing across Olympic disciplines and regional sporting events, with India seeking to build upon its record medal haul from the previous edition.
The cricket team's clinical win provides momentum for India's broad-based campaign across track, field, and team events over the coming weeks.