INDORE: England held their nerve in a tense finish to beat co-hosts India by four runs in a thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup clash at Holkar Stadium, booking their place in the semi-finals.

Knight’s century sets up England’s total

Batting first, England posted 288 for eight in their 50 overs, anchored by captain Heather Knight’s outstanding 109 from 91 balls. The former skipper’s fluent century — her third in one-day internationals — featured 15 fours and a six and provided the backbone of England’s innings.

England started steadily, reaching 44 without loss in the powerplay. Tammy Beaumont (22) again struggled for fluency, but Amy Jones offered solid support with 56, helping Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) add a crucial 113-run partnership for the third wicket.

Despite their strong position at 211-3, England stumbled late, losing three wickets for eight runs as Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb and Alice Capsey all fell cheaply to spin. Deepti Sharma was India’s standout bowler, taking 4 for 51 in her 10 overs, as the hosts managed to restrict England to under 290 despite a promising start.

Mandhana’s brilliance gives India hope

Chasing 289, India looked well on course for victory thanks to opener Smriti Mandhana’s sublime 88 off 94 balls. Alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (59), she stitched a brilliant 125-run partnership that had the packed Indore crowd roaring.

Both batters were commanding through the middle overs, effortlessly finding gaps and punishing width offered by England’s bowlers. Mandhana appeared set for a match-winning century before a mistimed lofted shot off spinner Linsey Smith in the 42nd over changed the course of the game.

Harmanpreet soon followed, caught brilliantly by Lamb at short third off Sciver-Brunt, leaving India needing 55 from the final eight overs with a new pair at the crease. Deepti Sharma tried to steady the chase with a composed half-century, keeping the run rate within reach, but wickets at crucial moments hurt India’s momentum.

England hold their nerve under pressure

Needing 14 runs off the last over, India’s hopes rested on Deepti, but Smith, who had earlier dismissed Mandhana, bowled with composure to seal a dramatic four-run win for England. India ended on 284 for six in their 50 overs, falling agonisingly short despite having been in control for much of the chase.

It was a victory built on England’s discipline in the field and their ability to stay calm under pressure — qualities that have not always been their hallmark in recent tournaments. Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey held crucial catches in the closing overs, ensuring England’s place in the semi-finals with one group game remaining.

Knight leads by example

Knight’s innings was a masterclass in pacing a one-day knock. Returning from injury earlier this year, she has now produced consecutive match-winning performances after her 76 against Bangladesh. Her ability to rotate the strike, attack spin, and accelerate when needed provided the perfect template for England’s batting approach under coach Charlotte Edwards, who has shifted back to a more measured ODI gameplan.

Sciver-Brunt’s role as the sixth bowler continues to be an area of concern, but her two wickets, including that of Harmanpreet, came at vital moments. England, however, will hope for more consistency from their middle order, which once again faltered after a strong start.

India’s qualification hopes in balance

For India, the result leaves them with a tough road ahead. Having now lost three consecutive matches, the co-hosts must win their final two league games to confirm a semi-final spot. Harmanpreet admitted that Mandhana’s dismissal was the turning point, saying, “We had many batters who could finish the game, but credit to England — they held their nerve when it mattered.”

Knight was named Player of the Match and said she was “really pleased” with her innings. “I felt we needed 300 on that pitch. It’s nice to play a defining knock when it really matters,” she said.

Sciver-Brunt, leading the team this tournament, praised her side’s composure: “Everyone stayed calm and executed brilliantly. We’ve spoken about holding our nerve under pressure, and today we did that perfectly.”

Conclusion

The narrow win showcased England’s growing confidence under Edwards’ leadership, with the team peaking at the right stage of the tournament. India, despite flashes of brilliance from Mandhana and Deepti, were once again left ruing missed opportunities. With Australia up next for England and two must-win games for India, both teams face defining moments as the tournament heads into its knockout phase.