Heather Knight marked her 300th international appearance with her third ODI century before England’s bowlers fought back late in India’s chase. The four-point win secured Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side a place in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals.
Knight’s 109 off 91 balls with her successor as captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) shared a third-wicket stand of 113 off 106 balls to back up England’s 288-8 in Indore, but a late collapse of 5-31 prevented a score of over 300.
India, therefore, looked for victory by posting 234-3 in 42 overs behind a 125-run stand between Smriti Mandhana (88) and Harmanpreet Kaur (70). Then, Smriti and Deepti Sharma backed up 4-51 with the ball to hit 67.
But Smriti and Deepti held off Linsey Smith (1-40) and Sophie Ecclestone (1-58) respectively while Sciver-Brunt (2-47) accounted for the dangerous Richa Ghosh (8) as India faded.
The hosts ended on 284-6 as England joined Australia and South Africa to book a knockout spot.
All the other teams in the competition are still competing for the final place, but it will most likely be between India and New Zealand when they meet in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
England’s remaining group matches are against Australia in Indore on Wednesday (10.30am UK) and New Zealand in Vizag next Sunday (5.30am UK).
Whatever happens, Sciver-Brunt’s side can look forward to the semi-finals as they aim to win their fifth World Cup title in history and their second overseas title.
More to follow.
