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.

Barcelona forward Raphinha has made his feelings clear about Lamine Yamal missing a penalty kick during the 7-2 thrashing of Racing Santander in La Liga on Wednesday. The Brazilian stated that he didn’t see the miss as a big deal while pledging to help the 19-year-old and the rest of the team.

Lamine Yamal got the opportunity to put his name on the scoresheet when he stepped up to take a penalty kick won by Karim Adeyemi just before half-time. Unfortunately, the Spaniard failed to beat the goalkeeper from the spot, leaving him visibly frustrated.

Reacting to the episode after the final whistle, Raphinha insisted that it wasn’t an issue as even he could also miss from the spot.

”We always have to think about the team,” the Barcelona captain told DAZN (via Barca Blaugranes). “In the first half, Lamine needed it, he missed the penalty, but it wasn’t a big deal.

“I can miss too. I’m always going to help him and the rest of the team. I know that for a striker, goals are essential. We are a family and we all need to be doing well and on the same path,” he added.

After missing the penalty kick and failing to convert a couple of shots including one that hit the woodwork, Lamine Yamal finally found the back of the net in the closing minutes of the game, all thanks to Karim Adeyemi. The German international won the ball in his own half, made a solo run into the opposition box and passed it to the Spaniard to tuck it home.

Meanwhile, Raphinha stole the highlights with his fantastic hat-trick during the encounter while Adeyemi also earned praise from Barcelona fans for his selfless and electric performance on the left flank.

Lamine Yamal’s incredible numbers for Barcelona so far this season

After leading Spain to the 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph this summer, Lamine Yamal has entered the new season in spectacular form. The attacker remains a pivotal figure in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, creating solutions for the team in front of goal.

So far, he’s made seven appearances for the Catalan giants across all competitions, recording eight goals and four assists to his name. That includes seven goals and two assists in six La Liga outings, as well as one goal and two assists in the UEFA Champions League.

As it stands, the Spaniard is one of the leading candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award following his brilliant performances and achievements with club and country during the year.