India’s chase goes awry after Smriti, Harman raise hopes

The 4-run loss after being in control chasing 289 makes remaining two matches must-win for the home team

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England players celebrate after beating India by 4 runs in Indore on Sunday.

(REUTERS)

After the loss against Australia, India coach Amol Muzumdar spoke about how “a finish in the game is more important than the start”.

And before the match against England began, it was clear that the clash would reveal which side responded better under pressure. For the third game ina row, when it came down to the final moments, India fumbled. This time by an agonising four runs.

Set a target of 289, India needed a complete performance to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Instead, despite a brave 125-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana (88) and Harmanpreet Kaur (70), they fell agonisingly short, undone by England's control in the closing overs.

With this win, England sealed their spot in the semis behind Australia. India must now win both their remaining games against New Zealand and Bangladesh to have a chance of sealing the final spot. South Africa have also qualified.