IndiaExpectations in the semi-finals ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 they got a big shock missed by just four runs Against England at Holkar Stadium, Indore. Chasing a competitive target of 288 runs, India reached 234/3 with the help of the openers. Smriti Mandhana On 88, and looked set for a thrilling win in front of a boisterous home crowd. However, a single miss from Mandhana proved costly as the off-spinner’s soft out linsey smith The pace changed completely.
Despite this, the Indian middle order had to struggle to become strong. Deepti SharmaA resilient half-century, as the pressure mounted and the run-rate increased worryingly. England, on the back of one Heather Knight’s brilliant centuryhad set a target which ultimately proved sufficient to face India’s battle.
Women’s World Cup 2025: Heather Knight’s class and England’s tactical mastery
Knight was the undisputed architect of England’s competitive total, scoring a brilliant century from 86 balls to take over the innings after a cautious start. England played the powerplay carefully and reached 44–0, with former captain Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt Later made an important partnership of 113 runs for the third wicket. Knight’s innings was a mix of elegance and aggression, consisting of 15 fours and one six, and he demonstrated a remarkable ability to manipulate the field, rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries. opening batsman, tammy beaumont And amy jonesDespite Beaumont’s modest 22 provided an early platform, allowing Knight and Sciver-Brunt to accelerate and set a challenging target.
However, England also suffered a wobble in the final overs, losing three wickets for just eight runs, including two early dismissals Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb And Alice CapseyWhich added drama and tension to the competition. Knight’s run out while chasing quick runs highlights the high-risk decisions required in the death overs, yet his innings had already established England’s dominant position. under coach Charlotte EdwardsEngland’s more traditional gameplan, prioritizing partnerships over wicket protection and sheer aggression, was executed flawlessly, laying down the blueprint for future encounters and proving invaluable against a world-class Indian lineup.
Women’s World Cup 2025: India’s middle order collapses and chances are missed
Chasing India was a story of promise fulfilled, with Smriti Mandhana providing a brilliant platform Harmanpreet Kaur In a fluent partnership of 125 runs, which gave the crowd the amazing turnaround they were expecting. Mandhana looked set for a match-defining century, her timing and placement almost impeccable, but spinner Lynsey Smith’s lack of concentration in the 42nd over resulted in the ball hitting the ground, which proved decisive.
After his dismissal, India’s middle order faltered despite increasing pressure. Deepti SharmaGritty 50, team failed to maintain the momentum. With only 14 runs needed from the final over, nerves and pressure combined against India and Smith’s composure sealed England’s narrow victory. The game highlighted India’s recurring issue of converting promising starts into match-winning totals and the reliance on their top order to perform in high-pressure situations. The lessons of composure, running between the wickets and flexibility of the middle order will be crucial if India are to remain in the race for the semi-finals, especially when they face stronger opponents in the remaining group matches.
💔Sorrow for India!
India were on the lead at one point but lost momentum and eventually fell behind by 4 runs in a thrilling encounter against England.
Scorecard: https://t.co/gsSf6oZkbU#CWC25 #womensworldcup2025 #INDWvENGW #Cricket #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/1dugQLg33v
– WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) 19 October 2025
Here’s how fans reacted:
This is legitimately heartbreaking 💔 #IndvEng #WWC25
– Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 19 October 2025
India had the game, and potential qualification, under their belt. England was searching for answers. This will cause huge loss. #IndvsEng, #ICCWomensWorldCup2025
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) 19 October 2025
Ever since Mithali Raj retired, India have rarely achieved a target of 250+
They really miss that calm player in pressure situations who can finish the match by remaining not out.#CWC25 #INDvENG
– Mohit Shah (@mohit_sha17) 19 October 2025
India women’s cricket team is the biggest chokers in women’s cricket.
By the way, congratulations to Team England for qualifying for the semi-finals of the World Cup 2025.#INDWvsENGW pic.twitter.com/zMHI4DMUxt
– Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) 19 October 2025
England didn’t win it, India gifted it 😶 Classic choke at the end!#INDWvsENGW #WomensWorldCup2025 pic.twitter.com/BHxjMRcU5m
– sarcastic (@sarcastic_us) 19 October 2025
🚨🚨That’s Harleen Deol for you.
He is in the team because of friendship quota. His only achievement is the catch he took against England a few years ago.
It is very sad that India started investing in below average players #INDWvsENGW #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/XKLKEVFyHA– Off Pacedeliery (@offpacedeliery) 19 October 2025
Indian women’s cricket team
They get salary based on performance#worldcup #INDWvsENGW
– Last Dance (@26lastdance) 19 October 2025
They strangled a cakewalk. @BCCIWomen #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/ISheUBGpyd
– GK 🕸️ (@JusttKriSH) 19 October 2025
You can’t lose that game and expect to win the World Cup. A surprising loss for the ladies in blue. No one took the responsibility of ending it! #CWC25 #IndvEng
– Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) 19 October 2025
This is like no other case that we have taken on in a deeper way than the game. India suffocated after Smriti fell on an unnecessary shot. #INDvENG
-Like. Gomesh Ch. கோமேஹி (@SaGomesh) 19 October 2025
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
