England hold nerve to book semi-final spot

England won a last-over thriller against India at Indore yesterday to seal their place in the World Cup semifinals, holding two crucial catches at the death to defend 288 and win by just four runs. Earlier Heather Knight's third ODI century in her 300th international set up the exciting finale.

- Raf Nicholson

India were left needing 27 off 18 but, defying England's recent reputation of falling to pieces under pressure, Linsey Smith conceded just four runs from the 48th over and then defended 14 off the last to ensure England came out on top.

Smith had earlier taken the crucial wicket of Smriti Mandhana, whose 88 from 94 balls looked to be taking India to a straightforward victory until, hobbling with cramp caused by the sweltering humidity, the Indian vice-captain sent a catch into the hands of long-off with 55 runs still needed.

Still, with six wickets in hand, the match was India's to lose, and their clutch all-rounder Deepti Sharma hit just enough boundaries to keep them in touch, bringing up her half-century in the 46th over. But Richa Ghosh holed out to Knight at cover the very next ball, before Deepti herself slog-swept into the hands of Sophia Dunkley at deep midwicket in the next over, leaving too much for Amanjot Kaur and Sneh Rana to do.

Tournament hosts India are now fighting it out with New Zealand for the fourth semifinal spot and will need to beat the White Ferns on Thursday - plus avoid defeat in their final match against Bangladesh - to be sure of qualification.