England bowled brilliantly to defend 151/7 and beat India by 11 runs in the 14th match of the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup at St George's Park here on Saturday.
Smriti Mandhana hit a stunning half-century to put India in a good position in their 152-run chase. However, the rate of scoring slowed in the middle overs as England's spinners took control of the game, with Sophie Ecclestone once again the standout bowler, picking up 1/14 from her four overs and strangling India's batters at a crucial point in the match.
In the reply, Mandhana's 52 from 41 was the highest score, with Richa Ghosh finishing unbeaten on 47* from 34.
However, only one other Indian batter reached double figures as the team fell 11 runs short of the goal.
For India to advance, they will most likely need to defeat Ireland in their final match.
Given their low net run rate, India would be vulnerable if they were to lose to Ireland.
If India wins and Pakistan defeats both the West Indies and England, it will be decided by net run rate who advances to the semi-finals.
Earlier, it was India who won the toss and opted to bowl first. Renuka Thakur took her career-best figures and the best by an Indian bowler at a Women's T20 World Cup.
Thakur finished with sensational figures of 5/15 - the best by an Indian bowler at a Women's T20 World Cup.