England Edge India in Thrilling Finish to Seal Semifinal Spot at ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
Holkar Stadium, Indore — England pulled off a dramatic four-run victory over India in a nail-biting ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup clash on Sunday, booking their spot in the semifinals and leaving India’s campaign hanging by a thread.
In a match filled with twists and tension, India came agonizingly close to chasing down England’s target of 289 but fell just short, finishing at 284-5 after 50 overs. Despite a strong start led by Smriti Mandhana’s brilliant 88 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s fluent 70, the hosts could not hold their nerve in the closing overs as England tightened their grip when it mattered most.
The win confirmed England’s place in the final four, joining defending champions Australia and South Africa, while India now face a must-win situation in their remaining group games against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
England Hold Their Nerve in High-Pressure Finish
Batting first after winning the toss, England posted an imposing 288-8, thanks largely to a captain’s knock from Heather Knight, who smashed 109 runs off just 91 balls. Knight’s innings, filled with 14 fours and a six, gave England the foundation they needed on a batting-friendly pitch.
Openers Tammy Beaumont (22) and Amy Jones (56) set the tone with a steady 73-run stand. Off-spinner Deepti Sharma broke through by removing both openers, but Knight quickly took charge, stitching together a crucial 113-run partnership with Nat Sciver-Brunt (38 off 49).
“I just wanted to get in and then accelerate once I was settled,” Knight said after the match. “It felt like we needed around 300 on this pitch. It’s special to score a hundred in my 300th international game.”
Despite Knight’s heroics, England stumbled slightly toward the end, losing five wickets for just 31 runs in the final five overs. Deepti Sharma shone with the ball, taking 4-51 from her 10 overs, effectively keeping India in the game.
India’s Strong Start Fades Under Pressure
Chasing 289, India’s innings began on a shaky note. Pratika Rawal fell early for six, while Harleen Deol managed just 24 before being trapped leg-before by Charlie Dean. At 42-2, India appeared under pressure until Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings.
The duo produced a majestic 125-run stand off 122 balls, blending aggression with composure to take India firmly in control. Mandhana anchored the chase, reaching her second consecutive fifty in 60 balls, while Harmanpreet played with flair, bringing up her half-century in 54 deliveries.
The home crowd roared as boundaries flowed freely. With India needing just over 60 runs in the final 10 overs and seven wickets in hand, victory seemed inevitable.
But England refused to give in. Nat Sciver-Brunt (2-47) delivered the breakthrough, removing the Indian captain for 70. Soon after, Mandhana mistimed a lofted drive against Linsey Smith and was caught near the boundary for 88 — a turning point that swung momentum back to England.
Turning Point: Mandhana’s Dismissal Changes Everything
At 234-3, India needed just 55 runs off 48 balls. But once Mandhana departed, India’s chase unraveled. Deepti Sharma, who had been steady at the crease, tried to accelerate but was caught off Sophie Ecclestone for 50.
In a span of just 33 deliveries, India slipped from 234-3 to 262-6. The lower order of Amanjot Kaur (18 not out) and Sneh Rana (10 not out) struggled to find boundaries against England’s disciplined death bowling.
As the final over began, India required 10 runs to win. Sciver-Brunt and Ecclestone bowled tight lines, conceding only singles. When the final ball was bowled, India had fallen short by just four runs — a heartbreak for the packed Holkar Stadium crowd.
“Smriti’s wicket changed the momentum completely,” captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted post-match. “We had enough batting depth to finish the game, but things just didn’t go our way. Credit to England — they bowled with great discipline under pressure.”
England’s Balanced Attack Seals the Deal
England’s bowlers delivered when it mattered most. Sciver-Brunt’s experience in the middle overs proved crucial, while Linsey Smith’s spell of 1-40 in 10 overs applied pressure and claimed the all-important wicket of Mandhana.
The left-arm spinner celebrated with emotion, aware that her breakthrough had turned the game. “We knew Mandhana was key,” Smith said after the game. “Getting her out gave us the belief we could close this one.”
Sophie Ecclestone, despite conceding 58 runs, bowled the tough overs at the death, ensuring India couldn’t find the boundary when it mattered most. England’s sharp fielding and precise bowling in the final 10 overs proved the difference in a contest that went down to the wire.
India’s Road Ahead: Must-Win Games Loom Large
This defeat marked India’s third consecutive loss in the tournament, following earlier defeats to Australia and South Africa. With just four points from five matches, India’s semifinal hopes now depend on winning both upcoming group-stage games — against New Zealand and Bangladesh — and relying on other results to go their way.
For co-hosts India, the disappointment was palpable. Their strong batting lineup once again failed to capitalize on a good start, and their middle order could not finish the chase. “We need to learn how to close games under pressure,” said Kaur. “It’s something we’ll work on before the next match.”
Knight Leads from the Front as England March Forward
With this victory, England solidified their position among the tournament’s top contenders. The four-time World Cup winners have now registered four wins in five games and will face Australia next in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Captain Heather Knight praised her team’s resilience, saying, “It wasn’t perfect, but we fought hard. Every player contributed — that’s what you want heading into the semifinals.”
A Tournament of Fine Margins
As the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 moves toward its climax, the race for the fourth semifinal spot remains wide open. India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and the West Indies are all still mathematically in contention.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka will next take on Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai, a match that could play a crucial role in shaping the final standings.
Final Thoughts
England’s thrilling win over India showcased the very best of women’s cricket — courage, precision, and drama until the last ball. While Heather Knight’s century anchored England’s innings, Smriti Mandhana’s graceful 88 reminded fans of her class. Yet, it was the nerve and tactical brilliance of England’s bowlers that made the ultimate difference.
For India, the heartbreak will sting. But with two crucial matches left, their fate is still in their hands — if they can find the consistency and composure that eluded them on this tense evening in Indore.