Asian Games 2026: India vs Bangladesh, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in women's cricket semifinals

The quarterfinals of the women's cricket event at the Asian Games 2026 have concluded, confirming the four teams that will contest the semifinals. India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have all advanced to the next round, and the full semifinal schedule has also been announced, settling which team will face which.

In the quarterfinals, the first match between Bangladesh and China was washed out due to rain, but Bangladesh advanced to the semifinals on the basis of their superior points. In the second quarterfinal, Pakistan beat Thailand by three wickets. In the third match, Sri Lanka defeated Malaysia by 86 runs. In the fourth quarterfinal, India thrashed Japan by 8 wickets in a one-sided contest to seal their semifinal spot.

Turning to the semifinal schedule, the first semifinal will be played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on September 20, starting at 5:30 am, with Sri Lanka considered strong favourites to win. The second semifinal, also on September 20, will be between India and Bangladesh, starting at 10:30 am. The two teams recently met in the Asia Cup as well, where India beat Sri Lanka in the final to win the title. Cricket experts are hoping the Asian Games final could also be between India and Sri Lanka, given both teams have strong players and Sri Lanka too have played impressively in this event.

On India's performance, Japan were bowled out for just 57 runs after batting first against India. Shree Charani took the most wickets in that innings, while Shafali Verma picked up two wickets as well. In reply, India reached the target in just five overs for the loss of two wickets. Shafali Verma top-scored with 40 runs in the match and was named Player of the Match. With this commanding win, the Indian team has secured its place in the semifinals and will now be aiming to win gold by winning the final.