Knight’s Century Shines but India Fight Back to Keep Chase Alive at Indore

England walked out with intent. India walked out with belief. And by the halfway stage in Indore, this Women’s World Cup 2025 had already produced the kind of storylines that grip you, such as the milestone hundred, the collapse, the fightback, and now a chase loaded with pressure.

Earlier in the day, Heather Knight led from the front in her 300th international appearance, playing the kind of captain’s innings you frame and hang on a wall. Her fluent 109 off 91 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression (15 boundaries, including one mighty six over long-on), and a firm reminder that experience still matters in modern cricket.

But sport has a habit of twisting scripts. England were cruising at 249 for 3 after 45 overs. A total of 320+ looked nailed on. Then came India’s death-over discipline, which was quiet, calculated, and ruthless.

Deepti Sharma turns the game here. 

India’s most trusted match-winner, Deepti Sharma, didn’t panic when England were bossing the game. She returned for her final spell with cold eyes and clear plans. What followed was death bowling excellence (4 for 51), including Knight at the perfect moment. Each wicket came not from magic balls, but from smart change of pace, tight lengths, and stubborn consistency.

Shree Charani, the 21-year-old spinner thrown into a World Cup storm, showed character beyond her age. She dismissed Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) to break a threatening 113-run stand and went on to finish with 2 for 68. Those weren’t just wickets. They were pressure valves turned tight at the right moments.

Suddenly, England’s middle order scattered. From 249/3, they ended up 288/8, losing 5 wickets for just 39 runs in the last 5 overs. Runs dried up. Panic set in. Dot balls caused impatience. Momentum shifted.

England didn’t finish like champions. India didn’t bowl like underdogs. What would be the end of this exciting yet thrilling match? Watch live streaming on tapmad. 

Key Highlights of Match 20 – England Innings (50 overs – 288/8)

• Tammy Beaumont: Started solid, 22 off 43 before falling to Deepti
• Amy Jones: Positive 56 off 68, laid the platform
• Heather Knight: Hundred in a milestone match, pure class
• Nat Sciver-Brunt: 38 off 49 in a vital partnership
• India’s Fightback: Took 5 wickets in the last 30 balls
• Fall of Wickets: 73, 98, 211, 249, 254, 257, 276, 280

What This Match is Really About

Forget the numbers for a second. This match is about temperament. India had England under control, but now must prove they can finish the job under scoreboard pressure.

This chase is a test of identity. Does India still believe they can beat the world’s best under lights in a World Cup? We’re about to find out.