The rivalry between the England Women vs India Women cricket teams is always intense, full of skill and high drama. In the high-stakes atmosphere of the ongoing World Cup, a new, exciting chapter has been added to the tournament.
England won the match in a thrilling encounter at the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, but before that, they put on a show that will be talked about for the coming season.
England won the toss and elected to bat first, on a pitch that is considered conducive to high scores. England’s experienced captain Heather Knight’s brilliant century gave the English team a boost.
Playing in her 300th international match, Knight showed class, scoring 109 runs off just 91 balls with 15 fours and a six. She was supported by Amy Jones, who brought up a solid half-century.
However, the Indian bowlers, led by the ever-reliable Deepti Sharma, refused to give up. The off-spin all-rounder Sharma had a brilliant spell, taking 4 for 51. Along with debutant Sree Charani, who took two wickets, the Indian attack collapsed late on and prevented England from posting a further impressive total.
England Women vs India Women World Cup India target of 289
The England Women vs India Women India target of 289 was a tough one and India’s chase falters early on. Yet, as is always the case with the women’s team, the senior batsmen are the ones who take the lead.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was exceptional, playing a fluent and composed innings. As wickets fell around her, Mandhana, despite significant cramping, kept the scoreboard ticking.
She put on a crucial partnership with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who despite some lacklustre form earlier in the game, put on a crucial 70-run stand.
The turning point seemed to have come this time when a crucial third partnership between Mandhana and Deepti Sharma took hold.
Their collective efforts stabilized and India appeared to be moving ahead as Mandhana reached 88.
The pressure built in the final overs. With 27 runs needed from 19 balls, the world’s leading spinner Sophie Ecclestone delivered the decisive blow by dismissing Deepti Sharma in a desperate attempt for a boundary.
This wicket proved to be the match-winner. England’s bowlers, particularly Ecclestone and Lindsay Smith, exhausted the Indian tail-enders in the icy final overs. India eventually fell painfully short, finishing at 284 for 6 and losing by four runs.