England edged past India by just four runs in a thrilling Women’s World Cup clash in Indore, securing their place in the semi-finals. Captain Heather Knight’s composed century set the tone before Linsey Smith’s calm final over sealed the win under pressure.
Knight anchored England’s innings with a 91-ball 109, guiding her team to 288 for 8 after clever stroke play, including sweeps and reverse sweeps. Despite India’s strong chase, featuring half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma, Smith’s tight bowling in the death overs kept England in control.
When Deepti fell with 27 needed off 19 balls, Nat Sciver-Brunt turned to Smith, who conceded only four runs in the penultimate over and held her nerve in the last, restricting India to 284 for 6.
Knight, celebrating her 300th international match, expressed joy after overcoming a major hamstring injury earlier this year. “It’s been a tough road, but I’m just happy to be here contributing again,” she said.
Smith, who bowled economically throughout, said, “I’ve been practising my death-over plans all week. The focus was on sticking to my line and backing myself.”
England’s innings was supported by Amy Jones (56) and Nat Sciver-Brunt, who shared a vital 113-run stand with Knight. India’s Deepti Sharma was their standout bowler, finishing with 4 for 51, but her efforts weren’t enough to turn the tide.
With the semi-finals approaching, England’s balanced performance—Knight’s class and Smith’s composure—marks them as strong contenders for the title.
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