England held their nerves in a thrilling finish to defeat India by four runs and secure a spot in the semifinals of the ICC Women’s World Cup here on Sunday.

Opting to bat first, England rode on captain Heather Knight’s masterful 109 off 91 balls (15 fours, 1 six) in her 300th international appearance to post a challenging total of 288 for 8. Amy Jones provided steady support with a well-crafted 56 off 68 deliveries.

England were comfortably placed at 249 for 3 in the 45th over before India’s bowlers sparked a late collapse. Off-spinner Deepti Sharma (4/51) and debutant Shree Charani (2/68) combined to restrict England by picking up five wickets in the final five overs.

In response, India came agonizingly close to chasing the target, thanks to fine knocks from Smriti Mandhana (88), captain Harmanpreet Kaur (70), and Deepti Sharma (50). However, despite a valiant effort, India finished on 284 for 6, falling just short of victory.

The win ensured England’s qualification for the semi-finals alongside Australia and South Africa. For India, who have now suffered three consecutive defeats, the next clash against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai on Thursday will be a must-win encounter.

Brief Scores:
England 288/8 in 50 overs (Heather Knight 109, Amy Jones 56; Deepti Sharma 4/51, Shree Charani 2/68) beat India 284/6 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 88, Harmanpreet Kaur 70, Deepti Sharma 50; Nat Sciver-Brunt 2/47 by 4 runs.

(With PTI Inputs)