INDORE, India: England held their nerve in a tense finish to defeat India by four runs and book their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday.
Electing to bat first, England posted 288 for eight, powered by captain Heather Knight’s classy 109 off 91 balls in her 300th international appearance.
Amy Jones added a solid 56, while Nat Sciver-Brunt chipped in with 38 as England looked set for a total well beyond 300 before a late collapse saw them lose five wickets in the final five overs.
India’s bowlers fought back strongly, with off-spinner Deepti Sharma claiming four wickets for 51 and debutant Shree Charani taking two for 68 to restrict England’s late surge.
Mandhana, Harmanpreet lead India’s fightback
In reply, India launched a spirited chase anchored by opener Smriti Mandhana, who top-scored with 88, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who struck 70. Their 125-run partnership for the third wicket brought India within touching distance of victory.
Deepti Sharma added a fluent 50, but the hosts faltered in the closing stages as wickets fell at crucial moments.
India finished on 284 for six, falling agonisingly short despite being well placed at 234 for three in the 42nd over.
Linsey Smith and Sophie Ecclestone picked up one wicket each, while Sciver-Brunt’s tight spell (2-47) proved decisive in the final overs.
Smith held her nerve in the last over, conceding just nine runs when India needed 14 for victory.
Knight’s century marks milestone match
Heather Knight’s hundred – her first in ODIs since 2021 – was the backbone of England’s innings. She dominated the spinners with an array of sweeps and reverse sweeps, sharing a 113-run stand with Sciver-Brunt.
“It’s something we’ve spoken about before the game – being prepared for pressure moments,” Sciver-Brunt said after the match.
“We knew if we could take one wicket, we could put them under pressure. The composure the girls showed at the end was fantastic.”
Praising her skipper, she added: “Heather’s innings was special. Her shot selection and intent made it very difficult for India to bowl at her. It set the tone for our innings.”
India face do-or-die clash against New Zealand
India’s third consecutive defeat, following losses to South Africa and Australia, has left them in a must-win situation.
They will now face New Zealand in Mumbai on Thursday in a virtual knockout to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
“Smriti’s wicket was a turning point for us,” captain Harmanpreet Kaur said.
“We played good cricket throughout, but the last five overs didn’t go to plan. We need to sit together and work out how to cross that final line.”
Brief Scores
England 288/8 in 50 overs (Heather Knight 109, Amy Jones 56; Deepti Sharma 4/51, Shree Charani 2/68)
India 284/6 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 88, Harmanpreet Kaur 70, Deepti Sharma 50; Nat Sciver-Brunt 2/47)
Result: England won by 4 runs
