Women’s Asian Games 2026 Live – IND-W vs JPN-W Live Streaming Free – SonyLIV Live Match – Japan Women vs India Women, 4th Quarter Final Live Online

The winner will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for September 20. The tournament is being played in a direct knockout format, making this a must-win contest for both teams. India are the defending Asian Games champions after winning the gold medal at Hangzhou 2023. The women’s cricket competition features eight teams and runs from September 17 to 22.

Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin is expected to offer a reasonable T20 surface, with batters likely to benefit if they spend time at the crease. The pitch could provide some early movement for seamers, particularly under the afternoon cloud cover, while slower bowlers may become more effective as the match progresses.

The weather forecast points to partly sunny conditions, with temperatures expected to rise to around 29–31°C. Humidity could remain high, and cloud cover may be close to 56 percent. There is no major indication of a complete washout, although a short rain interruption cannot be ruled out in local conditions.

The toss may influence the match. Captains could prefer bowling first if there is early movement or if the pitch becomes easier for batting later in the afternoon. India won the toss and chose to bowl first according to live match updates.

This is Japan’s biggest women’s cricket match in the Asian Games competition. The hosts were drawn against one of the leading teams in the women’s game, so the contest presents an important opportunity to measure their progress against a full-strength international side.

For India, the objective is clear: begin their title defence with a convincing win and move one step closer to another gold medal. India’s squad includes several experienced international players, while the team has also recently enjoyed success in the Women’s Asia Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana making major contributions and Sree Charani taking four wickets.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first recognised international meeting between Japan Women and India Women.

Therefore, there are no previous five-match results to list. India’s advantage comes from their experience in high-level T20 cricket, while Japan will have the benefit of familiar surroundings and home support.

Japan Women Team Analysis

Japan have selected a 15-player squad led by all-rounder Mai Yanagida. The team includes players with experience from Japan’s domestic cricket structure and several members who were part of the country’s previous Asian Games setup. Yanagida and Kurumi Ota are the two players from Japan’s 2014 Asian Games squad.

Japan’s main strength is their willingness to play positive cricket. The side has capable all-rounders in Yanagida, Ahilya Chandel and Meg Ogawa, giving the captain several bowling and batting options. Erika Oda, Hinase Goto, Haruna Iwasaki and Shimako Kato will be expected to provide stability in the batting order.

The biggest challenge will be handling India’s pace and spin attack. Japan cannot afford a slow start because India have bowlers who can control the scoring rate during the powerplay and middle overs. Building partnerships will be crucial, particularly if Japan bat first.

Mai Yanagida is the key player for Japan. As captain and an all-rounder, she will be central to both innings. Ahilya Chandel and Meg Ogawa could also play important roles with the ball, while Akari Nishimura is likely to be involved behind the stumps.

Probable XI: Akari Nishimura, Erika Oda, Hinase Goto, Haruna Iwasaki, Shimako Kato, Ayaka Kato-Stafford, Mai Yanagida, Ahilya Chandel, Meg Ogawa, Elena Kusuda-Nairn, Kurumi Ota

India Women Team Analysis

India arrive with a much deeper squad and considerably more experience of international knockout matches. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain. The squad also includes Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh, Radha Yadav and several promising younger players.

India’s top-order batting is their biggest advantage. Mandhana can control the powerplay with her timing and stroke play, while Shafali Verma offers explosive scoring from the first over. Harmanpreet adds experience and power in the middle order, and Richa Ghosh provides aggressive finishing and wicketkeeping quality.

The bowling attack also has variety. Renuka Singh can swing the new ball, Deepti Sharma offers control and tactical intelligence, while Radha Yadav and Sree Charani can trouble batters with left-arm spin. Arundhati Reddy and Kranti Gaud add further pace options.

India’s main concern could be complacency. Japan have little to lose, and India must avoid giving the hosts early wickets through aggressive but low-percentage strokes. The middle order will also need to remain alert if the pitch is slower than expected.

Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur are the main players to watch. Mandhana and Shafali can decide the match during the powerplay, while Deepti’s all-round contribution could be decisive in a pressure game.

Jemimah Rodrigues was originally included in India’s squad but was ruled out after a hamstring injury and replaced by Pratika Rawal. Shreyanka Patil’s selection remains subject to fitness clearance.

Probable XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur

Key Talking Points

The opening battle could determine the match. Japan’s new-ball bowlers must find a way to restrict Mandhana and Shafali before India settle into their innings.

India’s spin combination will also be important. If the surface slows down, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav and Sree Charani could make scoring difficult during the middle overs.

For Japan, the priority will be to bat for the full 20 overs and avoid losing clusters of wickets. A competitive total would put some pressure on India, especially if the home side’s bowlers make early breakthroughs.

India Women are the clear favourites because of their stronger squad, superior international experience, recent Asia Cup success and greater depth in both batting and bowling. Japan’s home advantage and familiarity with the conditions may help them compete during the early stages, but India have more match-winners across the XI.

India Women to win and qualify for the semi-finals. India should be able to control the game with their top-order batting and varied spin attack, although Japan’s performance will depend heavily on Mai Yanagida and their ability to avoid early wickets.