England Women edged past India Women by 4 runs in a last-over thriller in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 at Indore. England posted 288/8 in 50 overs, powered by a blazing century from Heather Knight and a composed half-century from Amy Jones. Deepti Sharma (4/51 in 10 overs) led India’s bowling attack, while Nallapureddy Charani also picked up two wickets.

While chasing, India lost two early wickets, but a 125-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur for the third wicket revived hopes. Deepti Sharma also made a valiant effort. However, with 57 runs needed from 57 balls and seven wickets in hand, India’s confidence crumbled. Familiar nerves from past close games resurfaced, leading to a dramatic collapse. In the end, India fell short by four runs, losing a crucial match.

With this victory, England sealed their place in the semi-finals alongside Australia and South Africa. The defeat marked India’s third consecutive loss, putting their campaign in jeopardy ahead of their crucial clash against New Zealand on Thursday.

Knight’s Century Powers England

England’s innings was built around a superb knock from captain Heather Knight, who scored 109. Her century partnership with Nat Sciver-Brunt rescued England after a brief struggle against India’s spinners.

Knight’s steady approach early on allowed her to dominate the middle overs, putting pressure back on India’s bowlers. She showcased a range of sweep and reverse-sweep shots and partnered effectively with Sciver-Brunt to add 113 runs.

After reaching her century from 86 balls, Knight’s dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, as England could manage only 36 runs in the final five overs. They finished with 289, falling short of what could have been a 320-plus total. Still, Knight’s innings gave England the platform to defend successfully later in the game.

Mandhana and Harmanpreet Rebuild After Early Losses

Chasing 290, India lost opener Pratika Rawal early for just six. Harleen Deol struggled for rhythm, scoring a slow 24-ball four before being trapped lbw by Charlie Dean.

Mandhana looked cautious at first, but Harmanpreet’s arrival changed the tempo. The Indian captain began fluently, striking Nat Sciver-Brunt for boundaries and targeting Sophie Ecclestone’s spin with confidence. Her intent eased pressure on Mandhana, who soon began to find her timing.

Mandhana reached her half-century off 60 balls and looked set for a big score. The pair’s partnership of 125 runs brought India within sight of victory. Harmanpreet’s dismissal on 70, gliding a delivery to short third, was a key moment as England finally broke the stand.

Deepti Shines but Collapse Follows

Deepti Sharma continued her fine form, calmly rotating strike and building another promising stand with Mandhana. She added stability after scoring a half-century and earlier taking four wickets.

However, Linsey Smith’s reintroduction turned the game. Mandhana, on 88, mistimed a lofted shot and was caught at long-off. With her dismissal, India’s momentum slipped.

Richa Ghosh fell soon after, followed by Deepti’s mistimed slog, eerily similar to her shot in the 2017 World Cup final. The lower order failed to recover. In the 48th over, Smith bowled a tight spell, conceding just four runs, leaving India with too much to chase in the final overs. She then sealed the win by denying any boundary in the last over.

India finished agonizingly short, left to reflect on another case of nerves in pressure moments.

Brief Scorecard