Cricket can be a cruel game, and the Indian women’s team experienced that heartbreak once again in their World Cup encounter against England. Chasing a target of 289 runs, India seemed to have the game firmly in control at 233 for 3 after 41 overs. With two set batters at the crease and just 56 runs needed from the final nine overs, the equation looked comfortable. Yet, in a stunning twist, England clawed their way back to secure a dramatic four-run victory, leaving the Indian dressing room stunned and silent.
The match had begun with England setting a competitive total of 288 for 7 on a flat surface that slightly favored batting under lights. India’s bowlers, led by Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma, did well to restrict the English top order early, but a late partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amy Jones pushed the total close to the 290 mark. It was a target India had every reason to back themselves to chase, especially given their strong recent batting form.
When India began their chase, openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave the team a solid platform. Mandhana, in particular, was in elegant touch, timing her drives beautifully and rotating the strike with ease. The partnership of 78 runs for the first wicket gave India the perfect start before Shafali fell trying to accelerate. Jemimah Rodrigues followed soon after, but Mandhana’s presence kept India steady.
At 233 for 3, with Mandhana batting fluently on 87 and Harmanpreet Kaur looking composed at the other end, the game appeared to be heading India’s way. However, cricket often turns in a moment, and this time it did so dramatically. Mandhana, attempting an ambitious lofted drive over mid-off, mistimed the shot and was caught — the moment that triggered a collapse. Her dismissal sparked a chain reaction as the middle and lower order failed to handle the rising pressure. Harmanpreet fell soon after, caught behind trying to push at a wide delivery, and suddenly the equation that once seemed manageable began to look daunting.
England’s bowlers, who had looked short of ideas earlier, suddenly found their rhythm. Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross bowled with discipline, mixing yorkers and slower balls to choke the flow of runs. India lower order, despite brave attempts from Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh, couldn’t find the boundaries when needed most. The required rate climbed to nearly ten an over in the final three overs, and with wickets tumbling, England tightened the screws further.
Needing 10 runs off the final over, India managed only five, falling agonizingly short by four runs. The stadium fell into stunned silence as England celebrated a comeback that seemed improbable just half an hour earlier. For India, it was a bitter pill to swallow — a match that slipped through their fingers after 90 percent of the job was done.
After the game, Smriti Mandhana accepted full responsibility for the collapse, admitting that her shot selection at a crucial stage turned the tide. “The shot selection should have been better. I’ll take the blame as the collapse started with me,” she said, displaying honesty and leadership in defeat.
While the loss is disappointing, it also serves as a harsh reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in limited-overs cricket. India will need to regroup and focus on their finishing ability, something that has haunted them in close games in recent years. For England, it was a display of grit and belief — proof that persistence pays off even when the odds seem against you.
As the tournament moves forward, India will look to bounce back stronger. The talent and temperament are there; all that’s missing is the final touch to turn promise into victory. But for now, the night in which 289 became just too far away will be remembered as one of the most heartbreaking defeats in India’s recent World Cup history.