England edge Bangladesh in a gripping World Cup battle
Heather Knight produced a captain’s performance under pressure, unbothered by the late-season nerves and an unpredictable batting surface, as England survived a stern test from Bangladesh to win by four wickets in the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati. Knight’s unbeaten 79 anchored a nerve-wracking chase that kept England’s 100% record intact, with a determined stand of 79 with Charlie Dean sealing the win.
Bangladesh post a competitive total
Bangladesh posted 178 all out in their 50 overs, a total that looked reachable for much of the innings but proved difficult on a track where England’s spinners thrived. Sobhana Mostary’s measured 60 gave the Tigresses’ innings forward momentum, while Rabeya Khan’s unbeaten 43 helped push the final total above 170. Marufa Akter and Fahima Khatun also contributed with breakthroughs in England’s chase, keeping the match just out of reach until Knight and Dean steadied the ship in the late middle overs.
England’s bowlers strike early to stall the chase
Opting to bowl first for the second consecutive World Cup match, Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side made a rapid start, reducing Bangladesh to 25/2 inside the sixth over. Fast bowlers Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith found movement, and captain Nigar Sultana Joty was dismissed early, setting the tone for an England assault that relied on tight lines and aggressive field placings. Two sharp catches by Amy Jones behind the stumps further punctured the Tigresses’ innings, leaving England with a firm grip on proceedings as wickets tumbled steadily to 85/4 by the 23rd over.
Key knocks and a spirited fightback
As Sobhana Mostary parked her side’s innings on a steady line, Ritu Moni tried to push the tempo, only to be dismissed by Charlie Dean. England’s spin trio then exerted tremendous pressure, with Sophie Ecclestone’s three wickets contributing to a collapse that left Bangladesh at 130/7 with seven overs remaining. Fahima Khatun’s economy of risk and Sobhana’s resilient innings kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive, but Ecclestone again struck to dismiss Fahima and Nahida Akter, helping England breathe easier as Sobhana fell LBW to Alice Capsey for 60.
The nerve-jangling chase reaches its denouement
England’s reply began shakily as Marufa Akter struck early to remove Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, leaving the defending champions at 29/2. The introduction of Sciver-Brunt and Knight shifted the momentum, and the pair steadied England with a vital 40-run third-wicket partnership. Fahima Khatun’s leg-spin delivered another twist, snapping Sciver-Brunt and threatening to derail England’s pursuit. Capsey’s composure and Knight’s patience culminated in a defining stand that carried England past 100 and set up a dramatic finish.
Knight’s masterclass and a deciding boundary
Knight’s innings blossomed as the targets dwindled. Her elegant loft over the bowler’s head demonstrated class under pressure, and her fifty arrived at a crucial moment as England needed 41 to win. Dean, quietly efficient at the other end, complemented Knight’s stroke play with a composed support, and when the chase reached its final stages, the former’s cover drive sealed a memorable victory for England. England’s fielding and bowling had stifled Bangladesh throughout, but it was Knight’s leadership and prowess with the bat that ultimately steered the defending champions to a hard-earned win.
What this means for England and the tournament
England’s 100% record remains intact, continuing a trend of resilience across the squad as the tournament progresses. The win underlines the value of depth in England’s batting lineup, with Knight and Dean delivering when it mattered most, while Ecclestone’s decisive spell underscored the potency of England’s spin attack on a surface that offered help from the pitch. For Bangladesh, spirited batting from Sobhana and Rabeya, combined with late-order resistance, will provide encouragement as they seek to build on this performance in the remainder of the World Cup.
