India set to defend Asian Games women's T20 crown against Japan in quarterfinal opener

Defending champions begin title defence in Nagoya

India enter the Asian Games 2026 women's cricket competition as defending champions and one of the leading contenders for the gold medal. Harmanpreet Kaur's side won the title at the Hangzhou edition in 2023 and will begin their campaign against hosts Japan in the quarterfinals on September 18.

India head into the continental multi-sport event with confidence after winning the T20 Asia Cup in Dubai last week. Head coach Amol Muzumdar said his players were looking forward not only to cricket but also to the experience of competing at a multi-sport event and living alongside athletes from other disciplines in the Games Village.

Squad in good shape with spin option emerging

India's recent form has also highlighted Shree Charani's emergence as an important part of the bowling attack. The 22-year-old left-arm spinner claimed 12 wickets during the T20 Asia Cup and reached 50 T20I wickets in just 30 matches.

The Indian squad also features experienced campaigners such as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma, while Richa Ghosh provides firepower in the middle order. Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Radha Yadav, Nandni Sharma and Shreyanka Patil add further bowling options.

Tournament format and participants

Eight teams — India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand — will compete in the women's event. The tournament begins directly with the quarterfinals on September 17, followed by the semifinals on September 20 and the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches on September 22.

India squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Shreyanka Patil, Bharti Fulmali, Shree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Nandni Sharma.