Asiad 2026 women’s cricket: Why China bowed out without taking to the field | Asian Games 2026

A rain threat looms over women’s cricket matches on the opening day of the Asian Games 2026 tournament on Thursday, September 17, with China already eliminated after their quarter-final against Bangladesh was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The women’s competition began two days before the September 19 opening ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. India are scheduled to begin their campaign against hosts Japan on Friday, September 18.

Persistent bad weather at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, on the outskirts of Nagoya, forced the cancellation of Thursday morning’s opening quarter-final. Bangladesh progressed to the semi-finals under the tournament’s ranking rule, ending China’s campaign before they could play.

Higher ranking sends Bangladesh into semi-finals

Under Rule 16.10.2(b) of the Asian Games cricket playing conditions, the higher-ranked team advances when a match is washed out. That provision favoured Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana, over China.

With no play possible, rankings determined which side remained in contention for a medal. China’s third Asian Games appearance since 2010 therefore ended at the quarter-final stage.

The same provision applied at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, when rain-hit quarter-finals saw India, Pakistan and Bangladesh progress to the last four.

Nisshin weather forecast points to afternoon rain

AccuWeather’s hourly forecast for Nisshin points to a continued risk of afternoon rain on Thursday. AccuWeather hourly forecast.

Time in JapanTime in IndiaPrecipitation probability

3 pm11.30 am IST43 per cent

4 pm12.30 pm IST68 per cent

5 pm1.30 pm IST62 per cent

6 pm2.30 pm IST49 per cent

Pakistan’s quarter-final against Thailand is the other fixture on Thursday’s programme at the same venue.

India face Japan on September 18

Harmanpreet Kaur’s India will play their quarter-final against Japan in Nisshin on Friday. Bangladesh could meet India in the semi-finals if the Indian team progresses.

Both semi-finals are scheduled for Sunday, September 20, with the gold medal match on September 22. All cricket matches at the Asian Games will be held at Korogi Sports Park.