India vs England Women’s World Cup 2025: India fall short by 4 runs
Indore, October 19, 2025 | India’s hopes took another hit in the India vs England Women’s World Cup 2025 clash as they collapsed dramatically in the final overs to lose by four runs — their third consecutive defeat in the tournament. Despite strong half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana (88), Harmanpreet Kaur (70) and Deepti Sharma (50), India fell agonisingly short of England’s 289-run target.
Cruise Turns to Collapse
Chasing 289, India appeared in full control at 234/3 in the 42nd over. With 55 runs needed from 53 balls, victory seemed a formality. However, the dismissal of Harmanpreet triggered a collapse. England’s bowlers held their nerve, applying pressure through disciplined line and length.
Needing 14 runs off the final over, India’s lower order — Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur — failed to finish the chase, sealing a narrow but crucial win for England.
“This one hurts. We were there, but couldn’t cross the line,” said skipper Harmanpreet Kaur post-match. “We have to close out these games better.”
England Clinch Semi-Final Berth
The win confirmed England’s place in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals. Their experience showed in crunch moments, with spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn bowling tightly at the death. Earlier, England’s batters set up the match through fifties from Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt, giving their bowlers a defendable total.
India’s Slip in the Points Table
With this defeat, India remain stuck at four points from five matches, ranking fifth in the table. England joined Australia and South Africa in sealing semi-final spots, while New Zealand (four points, –0.245 NRR) trails just behind India (+0.526 NRR).
India’s net run rate advantage offers a slim cushion — but it’s survival mode from here. They must win their remaining games and rely on other results to stay alive in the competition.
What Went Wrong for India
India’s defeat was less about talent and more about temperament. The team’s inability to finish chases has been a recurring issue throughout the tournament. Strategic missteps, loss of momentum, and an overdependence on the top order have all contributed to their downfall.
Fielding lapses earlier in the match also cost India at least 15–20 extra runs — margins that ultimately proved decisive.
Road to the Quarter-Finals: Still Possible
While qualification looks difficult, it’s not impossible. To reach the quarter-finals, India must:
Win their last two group-stage games.
Maintain a strong net run rate.
Hope either New Zealand or Pakistan drop points.
A comprehensive victory in their next match could swing momentum back. For now, though, India’s path is narrow and demands perfection.
A Lesson in Margins
The India vs England Women’s World Cup 2025 fixture will be remembered as one India should have won. Instead, it underscored the fine lines separating success and heartbreak.
With the tournament entering its decisive phase, the Indian team’s campaign now rests on resilience, self-belief, and the hope that their brightest cricket still lies ahead.
