The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 witnessed a thrilling contest at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, where England edged past India by 4 runs in one of the most gripping encounters of the tournament. In a high-scoring duel between two world-class sides, England’s disciplined bowling in the final overs proved decisive after Heather Knight’s commanding century powered them to a competitive total. Despite valiant efforts from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma, India fell agonisingly short, finishing at 284/6 in reply to England’s 288/8.
England’s Heather Knight was named the Player of the Match for her magnificent hundred that anchored England’s innings and set up the narrow victory. With this win, England women became the third team to qualify for the semifinals, joining Australia and South Africa.
Heather Knight – 109 (91)
Heather Knight once again stood tall as England’s batting mainstay, crafting a brilliant 109 off 91 balls, studded with 15 fours and 1 six at a strike rate of 119.78. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Knight’s innings combined composure with fluent stroke play, guiding her team from early jitters to a strong total of 288/8. She built key partnerships — first stabilizing the innings with Amy Jones and later accelerating through the middle overs. Her calm control and precise shot placement allowed England to recover and post a defendable score. Knight’s exceptional knock rightfully earned her the Player of the Match award.
Deepti Sharma – 10–0–51–4 & 50 (57)
Deepti Sharma delivered a standout all-round performance for India, claiming 4 wickets for 51 runs in her full quota of overs and later scoring a crucial 50 off 57 balls with the bat. Her spell broke England’s middle order momentum, dismissing Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, and Alice Capsey. With the bat, Deepti anchored India’s chase through the middle overs, adding valuable runs alongside Smriti Mandhana to keep India in contention. Her calm presence and ability to contribute in both disciplines showcased her immense value to the side, even though her efforts ultimately went in vain.
Smriti Mandhana – 88 (94)
Smriti Mandhana continued her sublime form at the top of the order, scoring a fluent 88 off 94 balls with 8 fours, anchoring India’s chase with elegance and control. She paced her innings beautifully, absorbing pressure early on before finding her rhythm against England’s spinners. Her partnership of 125 with Harmanpreet Kaur was the foundation of India’s reply, keeping the required rate within reach for most of the chase. Mandhana’s timing and ability to pierce the field highlighted her class, but her dismissal at 234 in the 42nd over proved the turning point of the match.
Harmanpreet Kaur – 70 (70)
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a powerful 70 off 70 deliveries, striking 10 fours at a perfect strike rate of 100. Her intent and authority in the middle overs lifted India’s chase, particularly during her 125-run stand with Smriti Mandhana. Harmanpreet’s shot selection and composure under pressure showcased her leadership qualities once again. However, her dismissal at a critical juncture halted India’s momentum, leaving the lower order with too much to do. Despite the narrow loss, her knock epitomized resilience and determination.
Nat Sciver-Brunt – 38 (49) & 8–0–47–2
England’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed effectively in both departments, scoring a steady 38 off 49 balls with 4 boundaries, and later returning with the ball to pick up 2 key wickets for 47 runs in 8 overs. Her dismissal of Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh in the chase proved to be one of the match’s defining moments. Earlier with the bat, Sciver-Brunt’s composed partnership with Heather Knight steadied England’s innings after early wickets. Her dual impact — building the foundation with the bat and delivering under pressure with the ball — played a decisive role in England’s narrow victory.
