Heather Knight marked her 300th international appearance with a third ODI century before England’s bowlers fought back late in the India chase as a four-run victory clinched Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side a place in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals.
Knight’s sweep-laden 109 from 91 balls, in which she shared a third-wicket stand of 113 from 106 deliveries with her successor as captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (38), underpinned England’s 288-8 in Indore, but a late collapse of 5-31 prevented a score of over 300.
In reply, India looked on course for victory after reaching 234-3 in the 42nd over after a 125-run stand between Smriti Mandhana (88) and Harmanpreet Kaur (70) was followed by Smriti and Deepti Sharma – who backed up her 4-51 with the ball – putting on 67.
However, Smriti and Deepti then holed out off Linsey Smith (1-40) and Sophie Ecclestone (1-58) respectively while Sciver-Brunt (2-47) accounted for the dangerous Richa Ghosh (8) as India faded.
The hosts ended up on 284-6 as England joined Australia and South Africa in booking their spot in the knockouts.
Every other side in the event is still in the running for the final place but it looks most likely to be between India and New Zealand, who meet in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
England’s remaining group games are against Australia in Indore on Wednesday (10.30am UK) and then New Zealand in Vizag next Sunday (5.30am UK).
Whatever happens in those, Sciver-Brunt’s team can look forward to the semi-finals as they target a fifth World Cup title in their history and a second overseas.
More to follow.