Charani, Shafali shine as India outclass Japan by 8 wickets to enter semifinals
Nisshin: Left-arm spinner Shree Charani and opener Shafali Verma starred as defending champions India outclassed Japan by eight wickets to enter the women’s cricket semifinals at the Asian Games here on Friday.
Charani returned impressive figures of 4/10, while Shafali took 2/13 as India bowled out Japan for a paltry 57 after opting to bowl.
Shafali then completed a fine all-round display with an unbeaten 40 off just 15 balls as India raced to 61 for two in five overs. Richa Ghosh provided support with 12 off six balls.
Japan managed to dismiss openers Gunalan Kamalini and Bharti Fulmali but had little answer to India’s quality bowling and batting.
Charani struck twice in the seventh over, removing Haruna Iwasaki (10) and skipper Mai Yanagida off successive deliveries, to record her best T20 figures.
Shafali later dismissed Ayaka Kato-Stafford, Japan’s top scorer with 25, and Shimako Kato as the hosts struggled to accelerate on a pitch offering turn and bounce.
Japan managed only three boundaries in its innings, with two coming in the powerplay.
India will face Bangladesh in the semifinal on September 20, while Pakistan will meet Sri Lanka in the other last-four clash.
