India failed to chase down the target, falling short by just 4 runs after needing 62 off 60 balls and later 36 off 30.
Smriti Mandhana was cruising towards a century, just 13 runs away, with India needing 62 runs from 60 balls and seven wickets in hand — victory seemed inevitable. But once Mandhana departed for 89, the entire game turned on its head. England made a remarkable comeback with the ball to seal a thrilling win and book their place in the World Cup semifinals.
In a nail-biting Women’s ODI World Cup clash, England edged past India by 4 runs in Indore on Sunday.
Heather Knight’s century powered England to 288 for 8, and despite being in a strong position for most of the chase, India finished at 284 for 6.
After winning their first two games, India have now suffered three consecutive defeats under Harmanpreet Kaur.
With this win, England became the third team to qualify for the semifinals, joining Australia and South Africa. After five matches, Australia and England both have nine points, while South Africa have eight.
India and New Zealand are tied on four points each, sitting in fourth and fifth place respectively. These two teams will face each other on Thursday in what could decide the final semifinal spot.
India’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing two wickets for 42 runs in the first ten overs.
A solid 125-run stand off 122 balls between Mandhana and Harmanpreet steadied the innings. The Indian skipper made 70 off 70 balls with 10 fours before being dismissed.
Mandhana then combined with Deepti Sharma for another fifty-plus partnership, keeping India well on track. At 227 for 3 after 40 overs, the hosts looked destined for victory.
But when Mandhana (88 off 94) tried to loft spinner Linsey Smith and was caught at long-off, England found their way back.
Even then, India remained within reach — needing 36 off the final five overs. Deepti made a fifty but was dismissed in the 47th over for 50 off 57 balls.
India required 14 runs off the final over, but Smith conceded just 5 from the first five deliveries. Amanjot Kaur’s boundary off the last ball only reduced the margin of defeat.
Earlier, England set the foundation for a strong total through opener Amy Jones’s 56 off 68 balls. Skipper Heather Knight, playing her 300th international match, anchored the innings with her third ODI hundred — her first in over four years.
Knight’s 109 off 91 balls, featuring 15 fours and a six, earned her the Player of the Match award.
