In a match defined by shifting fortunes and mounting pressure, the Indian women's cricket team suffered a devastating four-run defeat to England, a loss that has severely jeopardized their World Cup campaign. Poised for their highest-successful ODI chase, India unraveled in the final overs from a position of undeniable strength, succumbing to familiar big-match nerves. The tense finish in Indore secured a semi-final berth for England and handed India their third consecutive loss, setting up a high-stakes, must-win encounter against New Zealand in their next fixture.
Chasing a competitive target of 289, India’s hopes were firmly anchored by superb half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana (88) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (70). The pair constructed a brilliant 125-run partnership that wrestled control of the match away from England. With all-rounder Deepti Sharma also contributing a composed 50, the path to victory seemed clear. When the equation stood at just 57 runs needed from 57 balls with seven wickets still in hand, an Indian win felt like a formality.
However, the departure of Harmanpreet triggered a dramatic failure. Mandhana fell shortly after, and the middle order crumbled under the pressure of the moment. Richa Ghosh was dismissed cheaply, and Deepti miscued a crucial shot at a critical juncture. The late-game execution from England’s bowlers, particularly Linsey Smith in the final overs, was exceptional, as they tightened the screws and prevented any late heroics from the Indian tail.
England’s victory was built on the back of a masterful century from their captain, Heather Knight. Her superb innings of 109 provided the backbone of their total of 288 for 8. Coming in after India's spinners had created a wobble, Knight expertly navigated the middle overs, forming a crucial century stand with Nat Sciver-Brunt. Her knock was a masterclass in handling spin, utilizing sweeps and reverse sweeps to disrupt the bowlers' rhythm.
While Knight was the anchor, an early half-century from Amy Jones also played a vital role in setting the stage. Interestingly, England also experienced a late collapse, managing only 36 runs from their final five overs when a score well over 300 seemed likely. On most days, leaving those runs on the table would have been costly, but India’s own late-game implosion ultimately spared England’s blushes and sealed their place in the tournament's final four.
