India face Japan in Asian Games women’s quarterfinal
India will begin their defence of the women’s cricket title at the Asian Games against hosts Japan in the quarterfinals on Friday, entering the knockout contest with confidence after their record-extending eighth T20 Asia Cup triumph in Dubai last week.
The women’s competition features eight teams and begins directly with the quarterfinal stage, leaving no room for a second chance. A defeat on Friday would end either team’s campaign.
India’s batting will be led by Shafali Verma, who was the tournament’s leading run-scorer during the Asia Cup. Smriti Mandhana, meanwhile, will be looking to regain consistency after an uneven campaign.
The bowling attack features considerable experience and variety, with all-rounder Deepti Sharma and left-arm spinner Sree Charani expected to play key roles. Charani took her 50th T20I wicket during the Asia Cup in just her 30th appearance and has emerged as an important middle-overs option.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will also be hoping for a stronger tournament after an indifferent Asia Cup. Richa Ghosh provides additional firepower in the middle and lower order, while Shreyanka Patil’s return from an ankle injury strengthens India’s spin options.
Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud and Nandni Sharma add pace, while Radha Yadav and the other spinners give India further variety.
Japan, playing in front of a home crowd, will be seeking to produce an upset. The hosts face the challenge of containing India’s aggressive top order while negotiating a varied spin attack.
The match will begin at 10:30 am IST on Friday.
with inputs from PTI
