INDORE, India (Kashmir English): Four-time champions England qualified for the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup after pulling off a nail-biting four-run win over hosts India here on Sunday.
Playing first, England posted a competitive 288-8 thanks to Heather Knight’s century and later held their nerve in the field to defend it despite their poor bowling performance.
India was moving smoothly towards victory, needing just 62 runs off the last 10 overs with seven wickets in hand.
But the dismissal of Smriti Mandhana changed the whole situation in favour of England, as scoreboard pressure crept in and dot balls piled up.
Soon after, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma departed in quick succession, leaving the tail high and dry. Reckless batting cost India dear as Mandhana’s downfall opened the floodgates.
Knight’s 109 off 91 balls laced with 15 fours and a six, was the backbone of England’s innings.
England’s openers gave them a good start
England’s openers gave them a good start with 73 runs for the first wicket.
At one stage, England looked set to go past 300, but Knight’s run out attempting a second run triggered a slowdown, as India tightened the screws and conceded only 74 runs in the final 10 overs. Deepti Sharma was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with four wickets.
Sunday’s was India’s third successive defeat, leaving their next clash against New Zealand a virtual knockout.
With both teams locked on four points, it’s a case of do or die to stay in the hunt for the last semi-final berth, with England, Australia, and South Africa already safely through.
