India’s dismal run at the Women’s World Cup continued on Sunday as they suffered their third consecutive defeat, losing to England by just four runs at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Heather Knight starred for England, scoring a century in her 300th international appearance.
Needing 55 runs from the final 53 balls, India’s batting line-up faltered once again, underscoring their ongoing struggles in the tournament. India’s decision to field six specialist bowlers, dropping Jemimah Rodrigues for Renuka Singh, backfired.
The team remains fourth in the points table but faces pressure to secure a top-four finish ahead of their remaining matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
England, meanwhile, became the third team to seal a semi-final spot after Australia and South Africa, maintaining their unbeaten run in the tournament. Only one semi-final berth remains, with five teams still vying for it.
Knight shines for England
Opting to bat first, England made a steady start through Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, adding 73 runs for the opening wicket. Jones scored 56 off 68 balls, while Beaumont contributed 22.
Deepti Sharma removed both openers, but Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt forged a 113-run partnership for the third wicket, regaining momentum for England.
Knight, returning to the World Cup after losing the captaincy and recovering from a hamstring injury, reached her fifty off 54 balls before accelerating to a century in 86 balls, employing sweeps and reverse sweeps against India’s spin trio of Sree Charani, Deepti Sharma, and Sneh Rana.
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Sciver-Brunt supported with 38 off 49 balls. After Knight was run out for 109, England lost momentum but Charlie Dean added a quick 19 off 13 balls.
Deepti Sharma was India’s most effective bowler, finishing with 4-51 from 10 overs, while Charani also impressed with four wickets. Amanjot Kaur, Renuka Singh, and Kranti Goud were unable to make breakthroughs.
India falter in run-chase
India’s innings began shakily as Pratika Rawal fell early to Lauren Bell. Harleen Deol scored 24 off 31 balls before being trapped by Charlie Dean.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana steadied the chase with a 125-run partnership. Harmanpreet reached 70 while Mandhana contributed 88 off 60 balls.
England regained control when Nat Sciver-Brunt dismissed Harmanpreet. Deepti Sharma and Mandhana added 67 runs, but once Mandhana was dismissed attempting a boundary off Linsey Smith, India’s chase unraveled.
Deepti Sharma’s fifty off 55 balls was insufficient as Richa Ghosh and Deepti fell to Ecclestone, leaving India four runs short.
India’s third successive defeat highlights their continuing struggles in the tournament, while England march confidently into the semi-finals.
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