In a thrilling encounter at Indore, England Women edged past India Women by four runs to secure a coveted spot in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-finals. The match, played on Sunday, saw England defend a total of 288/8, booking their place alongside Australia and South Africa in the next stage of the tournament.
England's victory was set up by Heather Knight's magnificent century. Knight's innings of 109, her third ODI century, came in her 300th international appearance. She anchored the innings, forming a crucial partnership with Nat Sciver-Brunt after openers Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont provided a solid start. Deepti Sharma was the pick of the bowlers for India, claiming four wickets. However, England's batting depth allowed them to post a competitive total despite a late flurry of wickets.
India's chase was characterized by brilliant individual performances, but ultimately fell short. Smriti Mandhana (88) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (70) scored half-centuries, and Deepti Sharma added a late 50, but regular breakthroughs from England kept the hosts under pressure. India's chase began shakily with early wickets falling, but the experienced duo of Mandhana and Kaur rebuilt with flair. However, after the loss of Mandhana, the momentum shifted. Despite Sharma's efforts to keep India in contention, the required run rate kept climbing.
England's bowlers held their nerve in the final overs, with Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, and Lauren Bell all chipping in with crucial wickets. Smith conceded just four runs from the 48th over and then defended 14 off the last to ensure England came out on top. Nat Sciver-Brunt was the pick of the bowlers with 2/47.
The match was filled with twists and turns, with India looking comfortable at various stages. However, England's ability to take wickets at crucial moments and maintain their composure under pressure proved to be the difference. With 55 runs needed off 53 balls, England fought back with regular strikes. The crowd at Holkar Stadium was stunned as England completed the heist.
For India, the loss means their semi-final hopes are now hanging by a thread. They will need to win their remaining matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh to have a chance of qualifying. Even then, their fate may depend on other results and net run rate. India faces a must-win scenario against New Zealand on Thursday.
England, on the other hand, can celebrate securing their place in the semi-finals. They join Australia and South Africa as the teams confirmed for the knockout stage. The remaining spot will be contested between India, New Zealand, and potentially other teams.
Heather Knight was named Player of the Match for her outstanding century. Speaking after the game, she expressed her delight at the win and praised her team's composure under pressure.
The result is a significant blow for India, who were considered strong contenders for the title on home soil. They will need to regroup quickly and produce strong performances in their remaining matches to keep their World Cup dream alive.
