Four-time champions England booked their ticket to the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup after claiming a thrilling four-run victory over hosts India in Indore on Sunday.
England had made a competitive 288-8 thanks to Heather Knight’s century and held their nerve on the field to defend it, even though their bowling, usually their strong point, was a touch off colour.
India appeared to be heading towards victory, needing just 62 runs in the last 10 overs with seven wickets in hand. But Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal turned the tide as the pressure on the scoreboard increased and the points piled up. Soon after, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma departed in quick succession, leaving the tail high and dry.
Reckless batting cost India dearly. Mandhana’s fall opened the floodgates as he danced down the track towards left-arm spinner Linsey Smith but failed to clear from distance. Then, after reaching her half-century, Deepti Sharma died trying to take on Sophie Ecclestone, a laborious sweep that found the deep mid-wicket to perfection. From there, the writing was on the wall.
“We probably needed 300 but we did well to get things back and I’m very happy. I didn’t contribute much in the last two games so it felt good to get to a hundred to win the match,” said Knight, whose classy 109 off 91 balls, combined with 15 fours and a six, were the backbone of England’s innings.
England’s openers got them off to a good start with 73 runs for the first wicket before Knight joined captain Nat Sciver-Brunt in a 113-run stand that kept the scoreboard ticking.
At one stage, England looked set to go past 300, but Knight’s attempt at a second run caused a slowdown as India tightened the screws and conceded just 74 runs in the last 10 overs. Deepti Sharma was the pick of the bowlers and finished with four wickets.
It was India’s third consecutive defeat, meaning their next clash against New Zealand was all but eliminated. With both teams tied on four points, it is a matter of life and death to stay in the fight for the final semi-final spot, with Australia, England and South Africa already safe.
Meanwhile, England have been clinical and reached the semi-finals with two games in hand. They sit second in the table with nine points, level with defending champions Australia, separated only by a whisker in Net Run Rate.
“I’m not sure how we lost this game. We had it in the bag. We have worked very hard and when the last five overs get away from you, it is heartbreaking. This is the third game in a row that we have lost after coming so close,” lamented India captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
