India squandered a commanding position to make a mess of their chase, suffering a four-run defeat against England in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday, their third consecutive loss.
Chasing 289 for victory,
India seemed on course but lost crucial wickets despite senior players Smriti Mandhana (88), Harmanpreet Kaur (70), and Deepti Sharma (50) scoring fifties.
At one point, India needed 55 runs from 53 balls but found themselves requiring 14 from the last over. England held their nerve as Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur failed to take India across the finish line.
This was after Deepti Sharma’s standout spell (4/51) helped restrict England to 288 for 8, built on Heather Knight’s splendid century (109).
India now needs to win their remaining two games to secure the last semifinal spot as England became the third team to advance to the last four.
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: India Vs England – Highlights
Mandhana initially put up a crucial 125-run stand with skipper Kaur before partnering with Deepti for a 67-run partnership. After Mandhana’s departure, Deepti took over with a fifty but lost her wicket, and England also dismissed the dangerous Richa Ghosh.
Mandhana’s second consecutive half-century was a patient, hard-fought one, while Kaur rediscovered her form with a run-a-ball 70 that displayed intent and authority.
Mandhana, who started her innings in a shaky manner, weathered a scratchy start and battled cramps but showed immense concentration and composure in her 94-ball innings.
After Pratika Rawal’s early dismissal, Harleen Deol (24) played aggressively, allowing Mandhana time to settle. Mandhana’s first boundary came in the 14th over, and she grew increasingly fluent as her innings progressed.
Together, Mandhana and Kaur rotated the strike smartly, built pressure on England’s bowlers, and rescued India from an uncomfortable position. At the halfway stage, India needed 164 from 150 balls.
Both targeted world No. 1 spinner Sophie Ecclestone with intent, striking boundaries at crucial intervals.
Kaur particularly attacked her counterpart Nat Sciver-Brunt, hitting five fours. However, Sciver-Brunt bowled a back-of-a-length delivery outside off, leading to Kaur’s dismissal by Emma Lamb.
Earlier, Knight, playing her 300th international game, showcased her sweeping prowess in a 91-ball innings featuring 15 boundaries and a six, achieving her third ODI ton and highest-ever score in WODIs.
For India, Deepti was the standout bowler, with captain Kaur relying on her seasoned off-spinner whenever a breakthrough was needed.
Ironically, the skipper held back Deepti until the 16th over. Deepti claimed her 150th scalp by dismissing Tammy Beaumont (22) and accounted for half-centurion Amy Jones (56).
She also triggered a mini batting collapse at the end, dismissing Emma Lamb (11) and Alice Capsey (2).
Former skipper Knight rotated the strike brilliantly, stitching a 113-run stand with Sciver-Brunt (38) that caused significant damage to India. The duo found boundaries easily, setting up a solid total for England.
Earlier, openers Jones (56 off 68 balls) and Beaumont successfully navigated the first 10 overs for the first time this tournament, establishing a 77-run opening stand.
However, left-arm spinner Sree Charani (2/68) dismissed Sciver-Brunt against the run of play, with Harmanpreet making a well-timed leap to catch the ball over her head, leading to England’s batting collapse under pressure.
Adding to their woes, Knight was run out due to Sneh Rana’s accurate throw in the 45th over.
From that point, India dominated England, exposing their middle-order frailties as they lost 5 wickets for 39 runs.
India will next face New Zealand in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Brief Scores:
England 288/8 in 50 overs (Heather Knight 109, Amy Jones 56; Deepti Sharma 4/51, Shree Charani 2/68) beat India 284/6 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 88, Harmanpreet Kaur 70, Deepti Sharma 50; Nat Sciver-Brunt 2/47) by 4 runs.
(With inputs from Agencies)
