After winning the toss and electing to field, the Indian bowling attack dismantled the Japanese batting order. Japan struggled to find any momentum, eventually being bowled out for 57 in 19.5 overs. The innings was defined by a standout performance from
Dominant Bowling and Rapid Chase
Ayaka Kato-Stafford offered the only real resistance for Japan, top-scoring with 25 runs from 47 deliveries. However, the lack of meaningful partnerships meant the hosts were unable to post a competitive total against India’s disciplined and aggressive bowling unit.
Chasing a modest target of 58, India wasted no time in finishing the contest. The team reached 59/2 in just five overs, securing the win with 90 balls to spare. Shafali Verma was the catalyst for the rapid chase, smashing 40 runs off only 15 balls. Her aggressive approach included six boundaries and two sixes, with four of those fours coming in the very first over of the innings.
While the team experimented by promoting Kamalini and Fulmali up the batting order, the move yielded limited success, as Kamalini fell for a duck and Fulmali contributed six. Ultimately, it was a partnership between Shafali and Richa Ghosh that steered India across the finish line. Shafali sealed the victory in style, hitting a six off Shimako Kato. Following the final run, the players shared a brief moment of celebration before heading over to greet the Japanese squad, concluding a one-sided quarter-final fixture.
