England edged out India in a thrilling four-run victory at Indore to secure their place in the Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-finals. In a tense finale, England successfully defended 288, holding two crucial catches in the dying overs to seal the win. Captain Heather Knight’s superb century in her 300th international appearance set the stage for a nail-biting finish as India fell just short in their chase.
Opting to bat first, England posted 288 for eight, led by Knight’s composed hundred. Despite a strong start, their innings faltered late on, losing five wickets for just 31 runs after Knight was run out in the 45th over. What could have been a score well above 300 ended in a modest total, though it proved just enough in the end. Deepti Sharma was India’s standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets for 51 runs, including key dismissals of Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb in successive overs.
India’s reply began confidently, anchored by Smriti Mandhana’s classy 88 off 94 balls. However, her dismissal to Linsey Smith, after suffering from cramp, turned the tide in England’s favour. Despite India needing only 55 runs with six wickets in hand, pressure mounted as wickets began to tumble. Deepti Sharma battled to keep India in contention with a fluent half-century, but her dismissal in the 47th over left too much for the lower order to achieve.
Linsey Smith and Nat Sciver-Brunt showed remarkable composure in the final overs, with Smith conceding just four runs in the 48th and successfully defending 14 in the last over. England’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection, showcasing the team’s resilience under pressure.
For India, the defeat leaves their semi-final hopes hanging in the balance. They must now overcome New Zealand and Bangladesh in their remaining group matches to secure qualification. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s brisk 70 offered hope, but the team’s poor use of DRS once again drew criticism.
England’s triumph not only marks a statement victory but also highlights their growing confidence as the tournament progresses. With Knight in top form and their bowling unit showing renewed discipline, England head into the semi-finals as genuine contenders for the title.
