Defending champions India Women kick off their title-defense campaign at the 20th Asian Games today, September 18, locking horns with hosts Japan in a high-stakes knockout quarterfinal clash. Staged at the picturesque Korogi Sports Park in Aichi Prefecture, the eight-team women’s cricket competition represents India’s golden opportunity to retain the continental crown they claimed at Hangzhou. Fresh off their dominant triumph at the Asia Cup 2026, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side enters the fixture as overwhelming favorites, carrying momentum, squad depth, and explosive hitting power as they begin their march toward consecutive Asian Games gold medals.
Semifinal Picture Unfolds: Bangladesh and Pakistan Advance to Final Four
The knockout bracket has already taken intriguing shape after the tournament officially bowled off on September 17. Bangladesh secured their passage into the semifinals without bowling a single delivery after their scheduled quarterfinal against China was abandoned due to persistent wet outfield conditions, allowing Bangladesh to qualify by virtue of their superior global ranking. In the second quarterfinal, arch-rivals Pakistan held their nerve in a tight finish, clinching a three-wicket victory over Thailand to confirm their semifinal spot. If India defeat Japan as anticipated, they will meet Bangladesh in the first semifinal on Sunday, while Pakistan battle Sri Lanka in the second semifinal, keeping the prospect of an India-Pakistan dream gold-medal final alive.
Match Timings, TV Telecast, and Live Streaming Platforms
For viewers across India, the quarterfinal contest between India Women and Japan Women gets underway at 10:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) (2:00 PM local Japanese time). Linear television viewers can watch the live broadcast across the Sony Sports Network bouquet of channels, offering multi-lingual expert analysis and live commentary. Digital mobile users, tablet streamers, and connected smart TV audiences can access uninterrupted high-definition live streaming of the encounter on the SonyLIV application and official website.