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England down India to join Australia in World Cup semis
AP • October 20th, 2025 7:45 am
England's Heather Knight hit 109 to help defeat India by four runs at the Women's Cricket World Cup | Photo: AP
England have joined holders Australia in the Women's Cricket World Cup semi-finals after keeping their nerve to beat India by four runs in Indore.
Chasing a winning target of 289, tournament co-host India were on course for victory for much of their innings on Sunday.
Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 88, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur hit a run-a-ball 70.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt picked up 2-for-47 in eight overs, while left-arm spinner Linsey Smith bowled a tight spell, 1/40 in 10 overs, including Mandhana's vital wicket - as England applied the brakes to pull off a stunning win.
India finished with 284/6 in 50 overs in front of a shocked home crowd at the Holkar Stadium. It was their third straight loss in the tournament.
It all came after England had opted to bat and put on 8-288 in their 50 overs, thanks to Heather Knight's 109 off 91 balls.
Player of the match Knight, who was playing her 300th international, said: "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 in the end.
"I was desperate to put in a statement performance for my 300th and I am pleased to do that."
England have joined defending champions Australia and South Africa in the semi-finals with a fourth win in five games. They are unbeaten in the tournament and climbed to second place in the points table.
The four-time champions next play leaders Australia on Wednesday at the same venue.
The White Ferns are fifth behind India, on the same points, and will be fighting for the last semi-final spot when they take on India (October 22) and England (October 26).
The semi-finals will be played on October 29 and 30, with the final on November 2.
