Defending champions India continued their campaign at the Asian Games with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Japan on Friday, sealing a place in the women’s cricket semifinals.
India’s bowlers set up the win after Japan were bundled out for just 57 in 19.5 overs. Japan struggled to build partnerships throughout the innings, with Ayaka Kato-Stafford providing the only notable resistance. She top-scored with a patient 25 off 47 deliveries. Sree Charani was the pick of the Indian attack, claiming four wickets for 10 runs, while Shafali Verma chipped in with two wickets for 13 runs.
The low target gave India little trouble, although they suffered two early setbacks during the chase. Gunalan Kamalini and Bharti Fulmali were dismissed before India could settle in. Shafali, however, took control of the innings and smashed an unbeaten 40, while Richa Ghosh stayed not out on 12. The pair guided India to 59/2 in only five overs to complete the emphatic victory.
Nonoha Yasumoto and Kato-Stafford were the only Japanese bowlers to find success, taking one wicket apiece.
Brief scores:
Japan: 57 all out in 19.5 overs (Ayaka Kato-Stafford 25; Sree Charani 4/10, Shafali Verma 2/13).
India: 59/2 in 5 overs (Shafali Verma 40*, Richa Ghosh 12*; Nonoha Yasumoto 1/8).