Deepti Sharma’s brilliance with the ball helped India check England at 288 for 8, despite Heather Knight’s commanding century, in a Women’s World Cup clash at Indore on Sunday.

Knight, celebrating her 300th international appearance, struck a fluent 109 off 91 balls, including 15 boundaries and a six, marking her highest ODI score and third career ton. Her 113-run partnership with skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) had threatened to put England in a commanding position.

India’s response, however, was anchored by Deepti Sharma, who claimed 4/51 – her best figures in an ODI World Cup – to spearhead a late collapse. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur had initially held back the off-spinner until the 16th over, a strategy that paid dividends. Deepti first trapped Tammy Beaumont (22) before dismissing half-centurion Amy Jones (56), and then cleaned up Emma Lamb (11) and Alice Capsey (2) in quick succession.

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Earlier, openers Jones and Beaumont had negotiated the initial overs with composure, putting on a 77-run stand, the first opening partnership of the tournament to cross 50. But Sree Charani (2/68) broke through, removing Sciver-Brunt in a spectacular catch by Harmanpreet, triggering the collapse. Knight’s dismissal via a run out from Sneh Rana in the 45th over further dented England’s momentum.

India’s disciplined bowling exposed England’s middle-order fragility, with five wickets tumbling in the final ten overs. The performance leaves India in a strong position ahead of the run chase.