Tokyo: India and Sri Lanka registered commanding victories on the second day of the women’s cricket competition at the Asian Games to seal their places in the semi-finals on September 18. The wins set up a last-four line-up featuring India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Sri Lanka produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Malaysia by 86 runs. After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka recovered from an early setback through captain Chamari Athapaththu and Hasini Perera, who added 80 runs for the second wicket. Athapaththu scored 63 off 37 balls, while Kavisha Dilhari remained unbeaten on 44 off 27 deliveries as Sri Lanka posted 160 for four.

Malaysia struggled in the chase, losing three wickets inside the powerplay. Dilhari and Athapaththu led the bowling attack, claiming two wickets each as Malaysia managed only 74 runs. Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the semi-final on September 20.

India also secured a convincing eight-wicket win over hosts Japan after bowling them out for 57. Indian spinners dominated the contest, with Sree Charani producing an outstanding spell of four wickets for 10 runs in four overs. Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil also contributed with the ball.

Chasing a modest target, India completed the chase in just five overs. Shafali Verma provided an explosive finish, scoring an unbeaten 40 off 15 balls, including six fours and two sixes. India will now take on Bangladesh in the semi-final. Japan, despite the defeat, gained valuable experience from facing one of the strongest teams in women’s cricket on home soil.