Women’s Cricket World Cup: England beat India by four wickets for first win of tournament after Heather Knight’s unbeaten half-century | Cricket News

Charlie Dean starred with the ball with figures of 4-23 as England bowled India out for 135 in the 37th over; Nat Sciver (45) and Heather Knight (53) led the way with the bat to keep the 2017 champions’ slim semi-finals hopes in tact

Heather Knight celebrates her half century

England kept their World Cup title defence alive as they beat India by four wickets behind a captain’s performance from half-centurion Heather Knight and Charlie Dean’s earlier brilliance with the ball.

Having won the toss, England challenged their opponents to set them a target before dismissing them for just 135 following Dean’s figures of 4-23.

Nat Sciver subsequently led the charge with the bat with a knock of 45 before skipper Knight saw out the chase with an unbeaten knock of 53 from 72 deliveries.

England had entered the contest on the back of three successive defeats, knowing they required wins in each of their final four matches to progress to the semi-finals.

The 2017 champions are now due to face New Zealand Women on Saturday followed by Pakistan and Bangladesh the following week.

More to follow…