In a nail‑biting encounter at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on October 19, 2025, the Indian women's side fell short by just four runs to England in the Women's World Cup 2025. The match, part of the ICC group stage, seemed comfortably in India’s hands until the final over, when the run‑rate slipped and the scoreboard tilted in England’s favor.
Background & Tournament Context
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquartered in Dubai, brings together the top twelve teams for a 50‑over showdown across venues in India. India entered the tournament with high hopes after a strong showing in the 2022 edition, yet early group matches exposed a worrying trend: three straight defeats against the so‑called SENA bloc – South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.
According to a pre‑tournament analysis from Sports Today, the India women's cricket team had a win‑loss record of 2‑7 against SENA nations since the 2017 World Cup, a statistic that loomed over every match.
Match Summary
England won the toss and elected to bat, putting 267 runs on the board in their full 50 overs. The Indian bowlers, led by fast‑bowler Jhulan Goswami, kept the scoreboard ticking but could not break the partnership between Nat Sciver‑Brunt and Danni Wyatt, who steadied the chase.
Chasing 268, India’s openers gave a steady start. At the 20‑over mark the score was 112/1, with Smriti Mandhana (captain) scoring 53 off 48 balls, displaying her trademark elegance on the off‑side.
Middle‑order firepower came from Harmanpreet Kaur, who smashed 58 runs, and all‑rounder Deepti Sharma adding an unbeaten 52. By the 45‑over milestone India were 223/3, needing 35 more runs with seven wickets in hand – a position most teams would consider comfortable.
But the final stretch turned into a drama. England’s death bowlers, especially Linsey Smith, applied relentless pressure. India managed only nine runs in the last five overs, slipping to 263/9. A crucial dot ball on the 48th over saw the required run‑rate jump to 9.2, and a mistimed scoop from Deepti resulted in a caught‑behind dismissal.
England sealed victory with a six off the final ball, leaving India agonisingly close.
Key Performances
- Smriti Mandhana – 53 (48) – solid opening partnership, captaincy decisions under scrutiny.
- Harmanpreet Kaur – 58 (55) – anchored the middle overs, but failed to accelerate in the death.
- Deepti Sharma – 52* (47) – all‑round contribution; also bowled 10 overs, conceding 58 runs.
- England’s Nat Sciver‑Brunt – 71 (67) – the innings that put pressure on India from the outset.
Post‑match, India’s batting coach Ramesh Powar admitted, “We were in a commanding position, but the last five overs exposed a lack of clear plans. We need to rehearse death‑over scenarios more intensely.”
Aftermath & Points Table
The defeat left India perched at fifth place with four points from six matches, trailing the semi‑final qualifiers by two wins. England, meanwhile, moved to the top of Group A with eight points.
Financially, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to publish exact bonus figures, but reports suggest each win in the World Cup is tied to a performance‑linked payout of roughly ₹12 million per player.
Expert Reactions
Cricket analyst Sharda Ugra commented on a popular podcast, “India’s batting depth is evident – three players in the 50s – yet the inability to finish reflects a mental block against the SENA bloc. The psychological edge needs work.”
Former England captain Charlotte Edwards praised her side’s composure, saying, “We knew the chase would be tough. Keeping calm in the death overs and executing our plans made the difference.”
Looking Ahead
India’s final two group matches are on the horizon: a clash with Australia on October 25 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, followed by a showdown with South Africa on October 28 at the same venue. Mathematically, a win in both fixtures is required for a semi‑final berth.
Team captain Smriti Mandhana vowed, “We’ll review the footage, iron out the death‑over strategy, and come back stronger. The fans deserve better, and we owe it to them.”
Why This Matters
Beyond the immediate points impact, the result fuels a broader conversation about India’s development pipeline for women’s cricket. Youth academies in Kolkata and Mumbai have seen a surge in enrollment, yet translating that talent to consistent international performance remains a challenge.
Should India overturn the odds against Australia and South Africa, the narrative could shift from a ‘SENA curse’ to a resurgence, potentially influencing sponsorship deals and media rights for the women's game in the subcontinent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect India's chances of reaching the semi‑finals?
India now sits fifth with four points. To advance, they must win both remaining group games against Australia (Oct 25) and South Africa (Oct 28). A single loss from here would eliminate them from contention.
Who were the top performers for India in the match?
The batting trio of Smriti Mandhana (53), Harmanpreet Kaur (58) and Deepti Sharma (52*) stood out, each crossing the fifty‑run mark. Deepti also contributed ten overs with the ball, though she was expensive at 5.8 runs per over.
What were the key moments that led to India's collapse in the final overs?
The turning point arrived at the 46th over when England’s Linsey Smith bowled a tight line, forcing a dot ball. Subsequent poor shot selection – a mistimed scoop and a caught‑behind – triggered quick wickets, reducing India from 223/3 to 263/9.
What does this result mean for women's cricket in India?
The narrow defeat underscores the need for stronger death‑over tactics and mental resilience against top SENA teams. Success in the upcoming matches could revitalize interest, attract sponsors, and boost grassroots participation across the country.
When and where will India’s next World Cup games be played?
India faces Australia on October 25, 2025, followed by South Africa on October 28, 2025. Both fixtures are scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
