England have been, as recounted previously, absurdly fortunate thus far. Last night they earned their place in the playoffs in a gritty, hard-fought contest against India at Indore. Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and decided to bat on a newly-laid strip. One can never really tell, but it looked a 300 pitch. They played cautiously and within themselves for the bulk of the innings, anchored by Heather Knight’s excellent century. In the 39th over they had reached 2/211, and 300 looked to be a bare minimum from there. They reckoned without Deepti Sharma. The wily all-rounder relishes bowling at the pointy end. Where she excels is in outwitting the batsman. You’re going across the crease? I will follow you. Coming down? I’ll pitch shorter and flatter. She took 4/51 from her ten as England’s batting subsided ungracefully.
All except for Charlie Dean. Her unbeaten 19 (from 13) doesn’t sound much; but the Pride of Burton-on-Trent kept her head, and took 11 from the final over. It turned out to be the difference. 8/288 was a good score, but considerably less than had looked likely earlier on. Much of the credit goes to the Indian fielding, which was mostly exceptional. Lauren Bell removed Pratika early; and Harleen Deol fell leg before to Dean at the end of the power play, leaving the hosts at 2/42. Thereafter it was Mandhana and Harmanpreet scoring at will. The required run rate remained steady at a run a ball or thereabouts, and England could do nothing but persist.
And persist they did. The persevering captain removed Harmanpreet for a run-a-ball 70. Mandhana and Sharma proceeded to 234 and the game looked safe in India’s keeping. Sciver-Brunt kept shuffling her bowlers, and Smith picked up Mandhana for 88, caught in the outfield by Capsey. It had been a superb innings until then, but there was no need for such a rash hoick. Deepti and Ghosh were still together with five overs to go, and a mere 36 to get. Then Sciver-Brunt induced an indiscretion from Ghosh. The next over was Eccleston’s last, and Sharma, on 50, decided on a wild swipe into the outfield. Sophia Dunkley has had a dreadful time of it of late, but she held the catch.
With 27 needed from the last three the match was still open. Two of the last three were to be bowled by Linsey Smith’s slow left-arm. She bowled a full length and a tight line, and Amanjot and Rana could do little. Nine runs from Bell’s final over (the 49th) were insufficient; and the innings ended with a futile boundary which left England victors by four runs. This time, luck had nothing to do with it. England fought hard with the metaphysical wind blowing in their faces, and triumphed. India now face a virtual eliminator against New Zealand, who – inexplicably – are still in it with one win from five matches. The Sri Lankan monsoon has played hob with the points table. Australia and England are still unbeaten; and South Africa after their opening embarrassment against Bangla Desh have four wins on the trot. The final place is still to be determined.