England hold off India to book semi-final place
England dug in to close out a four-run win over hosts India and secure a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Cricket World Cup after Heather Knight had marked her 300th international appearance with a fine century in Indore.
Knight’s superb 109 was the mainstay of England’s 288 for eight, with India fighting back to take a flurry of wickets. Set a highest ODI run chase, India looked well-placed after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (70) and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (88) both made half-centuries.
England’s bowlers were able to exert some late pressure to dampen the partisan home crowd as hopes of victory faded away. The result means England join Australia and South Africa in the final four, while co-hosts India have it all to do. PA Media
Righto, Raf’s report will be along shortly but that’s me done for the day. Thanks for your company. England march into the semi-finals and can luxuriate in a match against Australia on Wednesday. Arf.
India have it all to do, they must beat New Zealand in their next match on Thursday to have any hope of avoiding an embarrassing early exit.
