India register biggest T20I win by balls (PTI Photo)
The record-breaking win at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Friday also sent India into the semi-finals of the 2026 Asian Games, where they will face Bangladesh on Sunday for a place in the medal match. Ayaka Kato-Stafford top-scored for Japan with 25 off 47 deliveries, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled to cope with India’s disciplined bowling. Richa Ghosh joined Shafali and scored an unbeaten 12 off six balls. The semi-final line-up mirrors the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, where the same four teams reached the last four.
Japan lost wickets at regular intervals and were unable to post a challenging total. India lost Gunalan Kamalini for a duck and Bharti Fulmali for six, but Japan could not capitalise on those breakthroughs. India’s record victory sets up a semi-final clash against Bangladesh, while Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the other last-four encounter on Sunday.