England

England Secures Semifinal Berth, edges Past India ​in⁣ thrilling World Cup Clash

Christchurch, New Zealand ‌ – England defeated India by four runs in a nail-biting contest at‌ the Women’s Cricket world Cup,‌ securing their place in the ‌tournament semifinals. A dramatic late-order collapse from India‌ saw them fall short of their ⁤target despite a strong batting performance ⁣led by⁣ Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti ⁤mandhana.

The victory ensures England advances to the‌ final stages‍ of⁤ the​ competition, ⁣while India’s hopes now rest on othre‍ results to determine⁢ their fate. This match​ was pivotal for both teams, with a semifinal spot on the line, and the closely fought encounter lived up to the high stakes.England’s innings was anchored by a brilliant century from captain Heather Knight, while India’s chase faltered in the final overs despite promising contributions from ‍their key batters.

England posted a total of 293/8 after winning the toss and electing to bat. Openers Tammy Beaumont (22) and amy Jones (56 off 68 balls) provided⁢ a solid start, adding‍ 73 runs. Knight then took control, scoring her ‍third ODI hundred – 100 off 86 balls,‌ including 14 fours and a six – and adding 113 runs with Sciver-Brunt (38 off 49). However, England lost momentum ⁢towards the end, losing five wickets for 31 runs in the final 5.1 overs. ​Deepti Sharma was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 4-51 in 10 overs.

In reply, ‍India’s chase began⁢ cautiously, reaching 42-2 in ​10 overs. Kaur and Mandhana then forged a crucial‌ 125-run partnership off⁣ 122 balls for the third wicket, putting‍ the hosts in a ⁣strong position. Kaur reached her half-century off 54 balls, while Mandhana⁢ anchored the innings, reaching her ​second consecutive 50 off‍ 60 balls.

Sciver-Brunt broke the partnership, dismissing Kaur, but India remained favorites. Deepti Sharma contributed a quickfire 50 off 57 balls, adding 67 runs with Mandhana. However, the game​ swung‌ dramatically when Mandhana was caught at the boundary attempting a‌ big shot against Smith in the ⁢42nd over. India then slipped from 234-3 to 262-6 in 33 deliveries, with Sharma ​also ⁤falling to Sophie Ecclestone (1-58) in the⁤ 47th over.

Despite efforts from Amanjot Kaur (18 not out) and Sneh Rana (10 not out), England held on‌ to win by four runs.

“I got ⁤myself in and‌ put down the accelerator. It felt like we needed 300 on that pitch but it was frustrating to not get there ” saeid Knight, who⁢ was named player of the match. “I was desperate to put in a statement performance for ⁤my ​300th and I am pleased to do that.”