Heather Knight’s century and a disciplined bowling effort guide England to a narrow four-run win in Indore
England clinched a dramatic four-run victory over India in Indore on Sunday to confirm their place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-finals. In a high-pressure encounter that went down to the final over, Heather Knight’s sublime century and a composed bowling display proved decisive as India’s chase fell agonisingly short of 289.
The win saw England join Australia and South Africa in the semi-finals, moving to nine points from five matches, level with Australia at the top. For India, the narrow loss marked their third straight defeat, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread with just four points from as many games.
Knight leads from the front as England post 288
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Heather Knight led from the front with a classy 109 off 91 balls, featuring 15 fours and a six. Her elegant strokeplay, supported by Amy Jones (56) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (38), helped England build a commanding total despite India’s late comeback.
Knight and Sciver-Brunt stitched together a 113-run stand for the third wicket, steadying England after early breakthroughs. However, Knight’s dismissal triggered a mini-collapse — England slipping from 249/4 to 288/8 — as India’s bowlers fought back admirably.
Deepti Sharma (4/51) was exceptional with the ball, becoming the standout performer for India. She was supported by Sree Charani (2/68), who dismissed Knight at a crucial stage to halt England’s acceleration in the death overs.
Earlier, openers Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont provided a solid foundation with a 73-run opening partnership. Jones brought up her maiden World Cup fifty, while Deepti struck twice in quick succession to remove both openers and give India a foothold.
India’s spirited chase falls just short
India’s pursuit of 289 began shakily, losing Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol inside the powerplay. However, Smriti Mandhana (88) and Harmanpreet Kaur (70) reignited the chase with a superb 125-run partnership for the third wicket, blending elegance with aggression.
Kaur, in fluent touch, looked set for a big score before falling to a mistimed late cut, caught at short third. Mandhana carried on, registering her second consecutive half-century before Linsey Smith removed her with a well-judged catch at long-on.
The turning point came when England struck thrice in quick succession, dismissing Mandhana, Deepti Sharma (50), and Richa Ghosh in the space of six overs. From a strong 234/3, India suddenly slipped to 262/6, losing their momentum as the required rate soared.
Despite a late fightback, England’s bowlers held firm. Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/47) led the charge, while Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean, and Lauren Bell chipped in with crucial wickets to seal the win in a tense finish.
Qualification picture
The result cemented England’s semi-final berth with one group match to spare, joining Australia and South Africa in the final four. India, meanwhile, face a must-win situation in their remaining fixtures if they are to stay alive in the competition.