India’s Women’s World Cup campaign hit another stumbling block as they went down by just four runs against England in a gripping contest at the Holkar Stadium.
Despite commanding positions for large parts of the match led by half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma India’s chase of 289 fell agonisingly short at 284/6, marking their third straight defeat in the tournament. For England, this was a morale-boosting win one that not only secured their place in the semifinals but also broke a streak of poor results against India in recent ODIs. For India, it was yet another case of what could have been.
Heather Knight’s brilliance once again anchored England’s innings after they won the toss and elected to bat. Her 109 off 91 balls her fastest ODI hundred was the backbone of England’s 288/8, their highest total against India in India.
England’s openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones started steadily, putting up 73 before Deepti Sharma, India’s most consistent performer in this tournament, provided the breakthrough, bowling Beaumont for 22. Deepti, with that wicket, became the fifth-fastest bowler to 150 wickets in women’s ODIs. Jones (56) and Knight (109) rebuilt beautifully, adding 98 runs for the second wicket. The pair’s control through the middle overs frustrated the Indian spinners as they milked singles and punished anything loose. When Jones fell to Mandhana’s catch off Deepti, England were 98/2, still in control.
Knight then combined with Nat Sciver-Brunt (48) for a commanding 113-run partnership, steering England towards a total that looked set to cross 300. However, once Sciver-Brunt and Knight fell in quick succession — the latter run out after a mix-up the collapse returned. England lost five wickets for 39 runs in the final six overs, finishing at 288/8. Deepti Sharma’s 4/51 was the standout spell, while debutant Sree Charani (2/68) claimed important breakthroughs late in the innings.
India’s Strong Start Turns into Late Heartbreak
India’s chase of 289 began with early jitters as opener Pratika Rawal (6) edged behind and Harleen Deol (24) fell lbw after an ill-judged review. At 42/2, the hosts looked unsettled, but Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings with a partnership of class and control. Their 121-run stand for the third wicket showcased intent, timing, and composure. Mandhana, continuing her fine form, reached her fifty in 60 balls her ninth 50+ score against England while Harmanpreet brought up her 28th ODI half-century shortly after.
At 163/2 after 30 overs, India were cruising, needing just 126 off 120 balls with eight wickets in hand. England looked out of ideas. Then, the game turned.
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Harmanpreet miscued a lofted shot off Charlie Dean, and Lamb held onto a sharp catch at mid-off. That dismissal, at 167/3, triggered the collapse that would ultimately define the night. Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal became the turning point of the match. On 88, she attempted an aerial stroke over covers a shot she later admitted was unnecessary and miscued it straight to the fielder.
“I’ll take this on myself,” Mandhana said candidly in the post-match press conference. “The collapse started from me. We just needed six per over. Maybe we should have taken the game deeper. I thought I could take her on, but emotions took over. That shot wasn’t needed at that stage.”
Her departure left India needing 55 from 53 balls with seven wickets in hand. From there, panic set in. The middle order failed to rotate strike, and the required rate crept up under mounting pressure. Deepti Sharma tried to script a rescue act, adding a valiant 50 off 47 balls to go with her four wickets. She found little support at the other end as England’s bowlers, led by Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross, tightened the screws.
When Deepti was dismissed in the penultimate over, India needed 10 off four balls a mountain too steep. England held their nerve, fielded impeccably, and sealed a famous win. For India, it was another narrow defeat after losing to South Africa and Australia earlier in the tournament. Each time, the difference lay in the final overs a recurring pattern that points more to mindset than skill.
In her bluntest media interaction of the tournament, Mandhana did not shy away from accountability.
“In cricket, nothing comes easy,” she said. “We know where we went wrong. You’re meant to have good days and bad days it’s about how you take those bad days and move on. The next match against New Zealand is a virtual quarterfinal for us. We’ll take this in our stride.”
Her tone was reflective, almost therapeutic one that echoed the dressing room’s frustration but also its determination. For England, this was more than just a win it was redemption. Having lost five of their last six ODIs against India, they finally broke the jinx. Heather Knight’s century and England’s improved fielding highlighted by crucial catches under pressure defined their resurgence.
England captain Knight praised her bowlers’ composure: “We kept believing even when India were in control. We knew if we could get one wicket, the pressure might turn. Credit to the girls for holding on.”
Despite three consecutive losses, India remain in semifinal contention. Their fate now hinges on the upcoming matches against New Zealand on October 23 and Bangladesh on October 26. A win over Bangladesh and an England victory over New Zealand could still see India through to the final four.
However, the issues are clear India’s set batters must finish games. The inability to close out winning positions has cost them repeatedly.
India 234/3 became 262/6, mirroring England’s own mid-innings collapse only this time, England recovered, India did not.
India have the quality and the experience. Mandhana’s form, Harmanpreet’s intent, and Deepti’s all-round excellence remain positives. But as Mandhana admitted, the team must become “more game aware” and learn to “take the game deeper.” With the semifinal race heating up, India’s clash against New Zealand now carries enormous weight a virtual knockout.
As Smriti concluded, “You don’t play cricket to have easy days. It’s about how you respond after tough ones.” The response in the next match will define India’s campaign.
Final Score:
England Women 288/8 (50) – Heather Knight 109, Amy Jones 56, Deepti Sharma 4/51
India Women 284/6 (50) – Smriti Mandhana 88, Harmanpreet Kaur 70, Deepti Sharma 50
England won by 4 runs
