England Women Script History Vs India, Break Sri Lanka’s 12-Year-Old Record Of… | Cricket News

England Women Script History Vs India [AP Photo]

Heather Knight smashed her first ODI hundred against India on Sunday as England piled up 288 for 8 against India in the ICC Women’s World Cup match no. 20 on Sunday in Indore. India, desperately looking for a victory, was challenged by the English skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt and her batting partner, Knight. The duo stitched a massive 113-run partnership for the third wicket before Shree Charani provided the much-needed breakthrough in the 39^th over.

England’s 288 is now their highest 1st innings total against India in Women ODIs. They surpassed their previous best – 272/8 – scored in the 2013 World Cup at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. In fact, England also went past Sri Lanka’s 282/5 in the 2013 World Cup, to register the highest 1st innings total vs India in Women ODIs.

Playing her 300th international match, Heather Knight (109) produced a masterclass in sweeping, crafting her third ODI hundred and highest-ever WODI score off just 91 balls, studded with 15 fours and a six.

For India, Deepti Sharma stood out once again. Despite being introduced only in the 16th over, the off-spinner delivered a superb spell of 4 for 51 — her best figures in an ODI World Cup match. She reached the milestone of 150 career wickets by dismissing Tammy Beaumont (22), before removing half-centurion Amy Jones (56). Deepti later sparked a mini-collapse by sending back Emma Lamb (11) and Alice Capsey (2).

Earlier, openers Beaumont and Jones gave England a perfect start, adding 77 runs — their first successful powerplay partnership of the tournament. Knight and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) then capitalised, putting together a fluent 113-run stand off 106 deliveries that kept India on the back foot.

However, momentum shifted when left-arm spinner Sree Charani (2/68) dismissed Sciver-Brunt, thanks to Harmanpreet Kaur’s sharp catch at mid-off. Knight’s run-out in the 45th over — courtesy of Sneh Rana’s pinpoint throw — further dented England’s charge.

From there, India dominated the closing stages, exposing England’s fragile middle order as the visitors lost five wickets in the final 10 overs.

(With PTI Inputs)