Snehasis Mukherjee in Indore
It was a hat-trick of losses for India in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, as they fell just four runs short against England in Indore.
Despite fifties from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance, India couldn’t cross the line. England held their nerve to stay unbeaten in the tournament, while India’s path to the semifinals has now become steeper — two games and two wins needed.
Chasing 289, India had a poor start. Pratika Rawal was dismissed for six as Lauren Bell separated the dependable opening pair of Pratika and Smriti. The early wicket put India under pressure straightaway.
At No. 3, Harleen Deol looked promising, playing some well-timed shots despite a slow start. But once again, she couldn’t convert — Charlie Dean trapped her LBW for 24 off 31 balls.
Then came the home team’s best phase of the chase. Smriti and Harmanpreet added 125 runs off 122 balls for the third wicket, turning the game India’s way. Harmanpreet notched up her first fifty of the World Cup, scoring 70 off 70 balls. The skipper looked composed, reflecting the hard work she’d been putting in during recent training sessions.
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Her partnership with Smriti was full of calm communication — both constantly motivating each other and pacing the innings smartly. However, Harmanpreet’s dismissal brought England back into the contest. Deepti, who had earlier taken four wickets, played another crucial role with the bat.
Along with Smriti, she ensured India didn’t lose momentum. But just when a century looked certain, Smriti fell for 88 off 94 balls, trying a lofted shot. At that point, India needed 55 runs from 52 balls. Deepti reached her fifty but couldn’t finish the job, while Richa Ghosh fell cheaply for eight.
The chase tightened. India needed 27 off 19 with four wickets in hand. Under pressure, Amanjot Kaur and Sneh Rana couldn’t find boundaries and they eventually fell short of four runs.
Earlier, after choosing to bat, England posted 288/8. Former skipper Heather Knight played a stunning knock of 109 off 91 balls, continuing her fine form. Her 113-run stand with Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) built a strong platform, while Charlie Dean’s unbeaten 19 off 13 balls, including a boundary and a double in the last two deliveries, proved to be the difference in the end.
Knight was named Player of the Match, as England became the third team after Australia and South Africa to qualify for the semifinals.
Also Read: India fight back after Knight’s hundred as Deepti bags 4 in Indore