England into Semi-Finals.
England surviving India’s thrilling run chase in a nail-biting match to seal their place in the semi-finals.
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 witnessed a heart-stopping finale in its latest chapter, with England surviving India’s thrilling run chase in a nail-biting match to seal their place in the semi-finals. In a true display of nerve and grit, the defending champions, led by a century from captain Heather Knight, held off a furious assault from the tournament co-hosts to claim a tense four-run victory.
The breathtaking contest at the Holkar Stadium in Indore leaves the Indian team staring down a precarious path to the final four.
The clash, a qualifying match for the semi-finals, saw England win the toss and elect to bat first, posting a challenging total of 288 for 8 in their 50 overs.
The foundation of this formidable score was a majestic century by skipper Heather Knight, who marked her 300th international appearance with a magnificent 109 runs off just 91 balls. Her commanding knock, coupled with a solid half-century from Amy Jones (56), propelled the English innings.
Despite a late-order wobble that saw England lose five wickets for 31 runs in the final overs, largely thanks to a fighting spell from India’s Deepti Sharma (4/51), the total of 288 was considered a formidable target on a track that was expected to offer equal assistance to both bat and ball.
The Indian chase of 289, which would have been a record run-chase in ODI World Cups for the team, was marked by courage and class.
The hosts’ innings was anchored by brilliant half-centuries from their star trio: opener Smriti Mandhana (88), captain Harmanpreet Kaur (70), and Deepti Sharma (50).
Mandhana and Kaur built a crucial 125-run partnership for the third wicket, steadily bringing the required run-rate under control and shifting the momentum firmly towards the Indian dugout.
At one stage, with India needing just 62 runs from the last 10 overs with seven wickets in hand, a home victory seemed almost inevitable, with the crowd roaring its approval.
However, the game turned on a dramatic shift in momentum, which saw England’s bowlers execute their plans flawlessly under immense pressure.
The crucial turning point arrived in the 42nd over when left-arm spinner Linsey Smith bagged the key wicket of Smriti Mandhana, who mistimed a big shot to be caught on the boundary.
This dismissal proved to be the catalyst for a late-innings slump for the hosts, as Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma quickly followed, leaving the lower order with too much to do. England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/47) and Linsey Smith (1/40) were instrumental in applying the crucial squeeze during the death overs.
The final overs were a masterclass in holding nerve. With 27 runs required off the last 18 balls, England’s bowlers, defying a recent reputation for faltering at the death, ensured a tight finish. A miserly 48th over from Linsey Smith and an assured final over from Lauren Bell meant India fell agonisingly short, finishing on 284 for 6.
The narrow four-run defeat sends England through to the semi-finals, joining Australia and South Africa, while the hosts are left to regroup for a virtual knockout encounter in their upcoming fixtures.
Key Headline Points of the Thrilling Victory
• Semi-Final Berth Secured:
England’s victory officially guarantees them a spot in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-finals.
• Heather Knight’s Milestone Century:
Captain Knight scored 109 runs in her 300th international match, anchoring the English innings.
- Match Result: England (288/8) beat India (284/6) by four runs.
- Indian Chase Falters: Smriti Mandhana (88) and Harmanpreet Kaur (70) set up the chase, but India suffered a late-order collapse after being well-placed for a famous victory.
- Bowling Heroics: Linsey Smith’s tight spells and the critical wicket of Mandhana proved decisive in choking the Indian run-flow in the closing stages.
- India’s Delicate Position: This is India’s third consecutive loss in the tournament, leaving their semi-final qualification hanging in the balance, requiring must-win performances in their final group games.
