England Edge India by 4 Runs to Reach World Cup Semis

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 21 October 2025

• England defeated India by 4 runs, securing the semi-final berth
• Heather Knight scored a brilliant 109 in her 300th international match
• India now faces must-win matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh

In a nail-biting contest at Holkar Stadium, England edged out India by just four runs to secure their berth in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 semi-finals. Skipper Heather Knight led the front with a majestic century in her 300th international appearance, while England's disciplined bowling attack held its nerve under pressure to clinch a crucial win.

England, batting first after winning the toss, posted a competitive 288/8 in their 50 overs. Heather composed 109 off 91 balls, anchoring the innings, with solid support from the middle order. For India, Deepti Sharma shone with both bat and ball, claiming 4/51 and later scoring a gritty 50 off 57 deliveries.

Chasing 289, India looked firmly in control midway, needing 62 runs off the final 10 overs with seven wickets in hand. Smriti Mandhana (88 off 84) and Harmanpreet Kaur (70 off 70) stitched a crucial stand that raised hopes to secure their berth. However, Smriti's dismissal caught at long-off while attempting to loft Linsey Smith triggered a dramatic collapse.

As the pressure tightened, India’s middle order faltered. Deepti Sharma’s ill-timed slog made a way for Sophie Ecclestone at deep mid-wicket, and with that, England seized back the momentum. Natalie Sciver-Brunt’s tight spell (2/47) ensured India fell agonizingly short, finishing on 284/6.

With this win, four-time champions England joined Australia and South Africa in the semi-finals. India, on the other hand, remains on 4 points from 5 matches and faces a must-win scenario in their remaining fixtures against New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Indian Captain Harmanpreet Kaur stated, "Not sure how we lost this game. We had it on the bag. We have worked so hard, and when the last five overs slip away from you, it's heartbreaking. This is the third straight game we have lost after coming so close."