Asian Games: Trouble in Japan! Indian athletes face housing, food & transport chaos

India Women's cricket team etched their name in history by setting a new T20I record at the Asian Games in a stunning eight-wicket victory over Japan. The team's remarkable performance saw them chase down 90 balls, finishing in just five overs and leaving 90 balls unused. This record-breaking win surpasses their previous best of 84 balls against Thailand in 2022.

The quarter-final clash took place at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Friday, propelling India into the semi-finals of the 2026 Asian Games. There, they will face Bangladesh in a crucial match for a spot in the medal round. India's biggest T20I victories by balls remaining include 90 against Japan in 2026, 84 against Thailand in 2022, 70 against Bangladesh in 2023, and 69 against Sri Lanka in 2022.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, India's bowlers dismantled Japan's batting lineup, dismissing them for a paltry 57 runs in 19.5 overs. Shree Charani spearheaded the attack with four wickets, while Shafali Verma and Shreyanka Patil each claimed a wicket. Ayaka Kato-Stafford was Japan's top scorer with 25 runs off 47 balls, but her innings couldn't halt India's relentless chase.

India's batting unit made it a breezy affair, with Shafali Verma leading the charge. She scored an unbeaten 40 off just 15 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, putting India firmly in control. Richa Ghosh added a valuable contribution with an unbeaten 12 off six balls. Despite losing Gunalan Kamalini for a duck and Bharti Fulmali for six, Japan couldn't capitalize on those wickets.

The semi-final stage of the Asian Games 2026 sees India face Bangladesh, while Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the other last-four encounter on Sunday. The semi-final lineup mirrors the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, where India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka reached the last four.