Revenge or Repeat? India take on England in 2017 Final Rematch
The 2017 finalists, India and England, are set to lock horns once again — this time at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday — for their fifth clash of this World Cup edition.
The memories of that heartbreaking nine-run defeat at Lord’s in 2017 still sting every Indian fan. Ironically, India had beaten England in the league stage of that very tournament, only for the hosts to have the last laugh in the final.
That World Cup was a watershed moment for Indian women’s cricket. It sparked a revolution — more domestic matches, pay parity, and far greater visibility through media and broadcast. India may not have lifted the trophy, but they certainly won a billion hearts and made the nation believe that women too can dominate the world stage.
Fast forward to 2025 — India are now co-hosting the World Cup. Earlier this July, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team toured England and came back with a historic ODI series win. The captain and her deputy, Smriti Mandhana, were in sublime touch against the English attack, while young Kranti Gaud, playing just her second international series, emerged as the leading wicket-taker, including a stunning six-wicket haul in the decider.
Credit where it’s due — India outplayed England. Yet, it’s worth noting that England were without their seasoned campaigner and former skipper Heather Knight. Would the result have been different had she been around? That’s a debate for another day.
In this tournament, Knight has already shown her class — guiding England to a nail-biting win over Bangladesh. The 34-year-old, who led England to the 2017 final, knows exactly what it takes to handle high-pressure situations.
Then there’s England’s current captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt — a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball — and the towering left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s No. 1 ODI bowler.
For India, who have enjoyed a week’s rest in this competitive tournament, the formula to beat England is simple: dismiss Sciver-Brunt and Knight early, and play smart against the crafty Ecclestone.
The numbers are on India’s side at home, they have dominated England in their own backyard. But the four-time champions have looked unbeatable so far in this World Cup, winning every match, while India have stumbled in their last two. Expect Sunday’s clash to be nothing short of blockbuster.
Head-to-Head
Overall: India 36 – England 41
In India: India 21 – England 10
At World Cups: India 4 – England 8
ICC ODI Rankings: India – 3 | England – 2
Will India make any changes to their Playing XI?
India have stuck with the same XI in three of their four World Cup matches so far. The six-batters, five-bowlers combination worked well against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but the lack of a sixth bowling option hurt them against South Africa and Australia.
Going into the England clash, India might be tempted to bring in Renuka Singh Thakur, who was brilliant against Pakistan, or Arundhati Reddy for Harleen Deol or Jemimah Rodrigues. Radha Yadav also makes a strong case — her left-arm spin could trouble England’s right-hand heavy batting line-up.
Another possible tweak could see Amanjot Kaur, who has hardly put a foot wrong but hasn’t completed her full quota of overs, make way for one of the bowling reinforcements.
Expect India to make at least one change. And if they don’t — well, that might just be the biggest surprise of all.
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore