On Sunday, England edged past India by four runs in a nail‑biter at the Holkar Stadium, clinching a spot in the semi‑finals of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. The match felt like a pendulum swing, with both teams trading momentum before England pulled ahead in the end.
Heather Knight anchored England’s innings with a composed 109, firing 15 fours and a six that set a solid base. Her innings carried the side to 288 for 8, powered by a solid 56 from Amy Jones. England’s bowlers kept the pressure on, limiting India’s top scorers.
India began with high hopes, boosted by Smriti Mandhana’s elegant 88 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s spirited 70. Deepti Sharma added a late fifty as well. The trio seemed set to chase England’s target of 289 in choppy water. However, both Mandhana and Sharma were dismissed before they could finish their knocks, turning what looked like a smooth chase into a struggle. India finished at 284 for 6, just shy of the target.
Key moments that swung the game included a tense wicket of Harmanpreet, caught by the short third‑man, which dimmed India’s run‑rate. England’s bowlers, especially Nanaje Ghosh and Linsey Smith, stepped up in the final overs, containing India’s scorers and sealing the win. Nathan Sciver‑Brunt was economical at 2‑47, while Shree Charani’s 2‑68 helped keep the scoreboard in check.
For India, the defeat marks their third loss in a row. The team now faces a crucial rematch against New Zealand in their next fixture, a must‑win game if they still want a shot at the semi‑finals. Analysts say India must regroup quickly and bring fresh energy to the knockout stage.
England, by securing this win, will face either Australia or the Netherlands in the semi‑finals, depending on the tournament’s bracket. The victory also highlights England’s resilience, especially their ability to weather pressure and close out matches.
Fans celebrated the fierce contest, with many praising England’s composure under pressure and India’s spirited effort. The match showcased why the Women’s ODI World Cup is a must‑watch sporting event, presenting high‑quality cricket and dramatic finishes.
In short, England’s steady batting, sharp bowling, and key wickets at the death secured a memorable victory, while India will now look to rebound on the road to keep their semi‑final Dream alive.
Source: ianslive
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