Asian Games 2026: India Begin Women’s Cricket Gold-Medal Defence Against Japan

The Indian women’s cricket team, fresh from winning the Asia Cup, will begin its campaign at the 2026 Asian Games on Friday. Defending champions India will face hosts Japan in the quarterfinal at Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin. With the women’s competition beginning directly from the knockout stage, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side will be looking to start its title defence with a victory.

Shafali Verma, who was among India’s leading performers in the Asia Cup, and Smriti Mandhana will be important at the top of the order. Spinners Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani will also have a key role with the ball. The return of Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil after recovering from injuries gives India additional options, while Renuka Thakur, Nandani Sharma and Kranti Gaud strengthen the pace department.

Bangladesh have already secured a semifinal spot after their quarterfinal against China was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of a wet outfield. Bangladesh advanced as the higher-ranked team. Pakistan also booked a semifinal place after defeating Thailand by three wickets in a rain-shortened 11-over contest. Pakistan chased down Thailand’s 91/4 with two balls to spare.