England won Thriller Against India and Seal CWC25 Semi-Final spot

England secured their place for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-finals after a minor four-run victory over hosts India in Indore on Sunday. The nail-biting win, achieved by successfully defending a challenging total of 288/8, inflicted a third consecutive defeat on the home side. England now joins South Africa and Australia in the knockout stage.

Knight’s Century Propels England

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, England was anchored by a magnificent century from captain Heather Knight. Knight scored a superb 109 off 91 balls, laced with 15 fours and a six, setting a commanding tone for the innings. She was well-supported by opener Amy Jones, who registered her maiden World Cup fifty with a steady 56. The pair, along with a crucial 113-run third-wicket partnership between Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt, laid a strong foundation.

However, India’s bowlers fought back well in the latter overs to restrict the total to under 300. The spin attack proved effective, with Deepti Sharma leading the charge, claiming an outstanding 4/51, and Sree Charani adding two wickets (2/68).

India’s Chase Falls Just Short Despite Partnership Heroics

Chasing 289, India’s innings was built on three vital contributions, starting with a 125-run stand for the third wicket between Smriti Mandhana and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana top-scored with a gritty 88, while Kaur registered her first fifty of the tournament with a spirited 70.

Even after Kaur’s dismissal, Mandhana combined with Deepti Sharma (50) for a solid 69-run partnership that tilted the momentum back towards India. However, the turning point came when England’s bowlers struck thrice in quick succession. Linsey Smith dismissed the set Mandhana, before Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone tightened the screws, breaking key partnerships as the required run rate soared.

England’s bowling unit held their nerve in the final overs, with Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/47) being the most impactful, supported by a wicket each from Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, and Lauren Bell. India ultimately finished just four runs short of the target, with the constant pressure applied by the English attack proving decisive in the thriller.

With This Win over India, England rech to nine points and securing their spot for the semi-finals, while India remains on four points with a difficult path ahead.