The Indian women’s cricket team will begin its title defence at the Asian Games 2026 with a quarter-final clash against hosts Japan at the Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi on Friday.
The India-Japan quarter-final is scheduled to begin at 10:30 am IST, with live streaming and television coverage available for viewers in India.
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India enter the knockout stage after a strong run of form, having recently secured a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the Indian side, while Smriti Mandhana will serve as her deputy.
India are ranked third in the women’s T20I rankings and are the highest-ranked team among the eight sides competing in the women’s cricket tournament. The match will also mark the first-ever meeting between India and Japan in women’s T20I cricket.
India have several key players who could influence the quarter-final. Mandhana comes into the tournament after another prolific run with the bat. She recently overtook former India captain Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. Mandhana is also the leading century-maker across formats in women’s international cricket.
With the ball, Deepti Sharma remains one of India’s most experienced match-winners. She is the all-time leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is, while Shree Charani enters the competition as the top-ranked bowler in the format.
Shafali Verma will also be one of India’s players to watch after being named Player of the Series at the Women’s Asia Cup.
For Japan, the quarter-final represents a major challenge against one of the world’s leading women’s cricket teams. Japan are ranked 39th in the women’s T20I rankings and will be making their third appearance in women’s cricket at the Asian Games.
Japan’s best women’s cricket finish at the Asian Games came in 2010, when they won a bronze medal. The 2026 competition is being played in a straight knockout format, leaving Japan with little margin for error against the defending champions.
Japan have played seven T20Is this year, recording four victories and three defeats. Mai Yanagida will captain the hosts as they look to produce an upset against India.
The match also carries significance for India, who won the women’s cricket gold medal at the previous Asian Games and will be aiming to retain their title. With the tournament moving straight into the knockout phase, India will need to avoid any early setbacks against the hosts.
Where to watch India vs Japan women’s cricket live
The India vs Japan women’s cricket quarter-final will be available for live streaming on Sony LIV in India.
The match will also be telecast live on Sony Sports 1, while regional-language coverage will be available on Sony Sports 3 and Sony Sports 4.
Match: India Women vs Japan Women, Asian Games 2026 quarter-final
Date: Friday, September 18
Time: 10:30 am IST
Venue: Korogi Athletic Park, Aichi
Live streaming: Sony LIV
TV: Sony Sports 1, Sony Sports 3 and Sony Sports 4
