England Edge Past India in a Thriller, Win by Just 4 Runs

England Edge Past India in a Thriller, Win by Just 4 Runs

Women's ODI World Cup: India Vs England: In a heart-stopping encounter, England held their nerve to defeat India by just 4 runs despite a strong chase led by Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.

It was a classic battle between two top sides as England and India produced one of the most thrilling games of the series. Batting first, England posted a challenging 288/8 in 50 overs, thanks to a superb 99 from captain Heather Knight and a solid half-century from Amy Jones (56). Despite a few quick wickets in the middle, the English skipper’s composed innings ensured they reached a competitive total.

India, chasing 289, began steadily but lost an early wicket. Smriti Mandhana once again showcased her class with a fluent 88 off 94 balls, well supported by Harmanpreet Kaur’s steady 70. The duo added crucial runs to keep India in the hunt. However, England’s bowlers kept their cool in the final overs, as India fell just short at 284/6, losing by a narrow margin of 4 runs.

It was a game filled with momentum swings — India looked set for a famous win before England’s experience at the death made the difference.

England Innings:

After India opted to field first, England got off to a confident start through Tammy Beaumont (22) and Amy Jones (56 off 68). The partnership set the tone before Heather Knight took charge of the innings. Knight played a captain’s knock, scoring a brilliant 99 off 115 balls, anchoring one end while others rotated around her.

Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) and Charlie Dean (19) provided vital contributions in the later overs, helping England reach 288/8 in 50 overs.

For India, Deepti Sharma was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for 51 runs, while Shree Charani picked up 2/68.

India Innings:

India’s chase began shakily as Pratika Rawal (6) and Harleen Deol (24) fell early. But Smriti Mandhana steadied the ship with a classy 88 off 94, striking 9 boundaries and maintaining the tempo throughout.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (70 off 70) played a captain’s innings, keeping India alive in the chase. The partnership between Mandhana and Harmanpreet looked promising, but after their dismissals, the required rate began to climb.

Deepti Sharma (50 off 57) and Amanjot Kaur (18) fought hard in the final overs, yet India fell agonizingly short, ending at 284/6 in 50 overs — just 4 runs away from victory.

For England, Nat Sciver-Brunt picked up 2 crucial wickets, while Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone provided key breakthroughs.

Brief Scores:

England Women: 288/8 (50 overs)

(Heather Knight 99, Amy Jones 56, Deepti Sharma 4/51)

India Women: 284/6 (50 overs)

(Smriti Mandhana 88, Harmanpreet Kaur 70, Nat Sciver-Brunt 2/47)