England held their nerve to defeat co-hosts India by four runs in Indore, booking their place in the Women's Cricket World Cup semi-finals. Captain Heather Knight marked her 300th international appearance with a superb 109, anchoring England's total of 288 for eight.
India's chase started strongly, with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (88) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (70) leading the way. However, England's bowlers applied pressure in the final overs, with left-arm spinner Linsey Smith taking 1-40 from her ten overs, including two tight overs at the death, to stifle India's run chase.
Knight, named Player of the Match, said: 'Really pleased! It was nice to get conditions conducive to batting. 300 caps is a big occasion, and I'm pleased to put in a match-defining innings.' She added that facing Australia in the semi-finals will be a good test of England's progress.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur was left heartbroken. 'Smriti's wicket was a turning point. The last five or six overs didn't go according to our plans. It's very hard to take,' she said. India must now beat New Zealand in their final group match to avoid an early exit.
England join Australia and South Africa in the final four. Their semi-final against Australia is scheduled for Wednesday.
