England, on Tuesday (October 7), survived a powerful scare as they recorded a 4-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. With the win, the Nat Sciver-Brunt-led side maintained their winning start to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
The win also took England to the top of the points table. Along with India and Australia, they are the only unbeaten teams in the 10-team competition.
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On the other hand, Bangladesh’s valiant battle with the ball ultimately went in vain. While they gave England a run for their money, they could not finish the game convincingly. With one win and one loss, Bangladesh are currently placed fourth in the points table.
Heath Knight powers England to victory
Batting first, Bangladesh were all out for only 178 runs. For the second consecutive match, England’s bowlers had an impressive outing. England’s bowlers also dominated Bangladesh, after bowling out South Africa for only 69 runs.
With the spinners assisting the pitch, England star Sophie Ecclestone starred with the ball, taking 3 for 24, while Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith, and Alice Capsey took two wickets apiece.
For Bangladesh, Sobhana Mosteri was the top run-scorer. He scored 60 off 108 balls, while Rabeya Khan provided some momentum to the innings by smashing 43 not out off just 27 balls.
Bangladesh kept losing wickets at regular intervals from the beginning. While Mostari stood firm on one end, there was little support from the other.
Barring Mostari and Rabeya, Sharmin Ekter (30) was the only Bangladeshi batsman to reach double figures.
With the ball, Bangladesh had England in all kinds of trouble. Marufa Ector once again impressed with the ball as she dismissed Amy Jones for just 1 run in the very first over. In the 7th over, Marufa struck again to send back the other England opener, Tammy Beaumont, for 13.
Bangladesh worked hard
After that, Fahima Khatun led the charge with the ball for Bangladesh. He took 3 wickets in no time to help his team reduce England to 78 for 5.
Bangladesh were firmly in the driver’s seat at that stage. They only strengthened their position when Akhtar Meghla dismissed Alice Capsey to reduce England to 103/6.
However, former England captain Heather Knight scored an unbeaten 79 to take her team home in the end. She and Charlotte Dean shared an unbeaten stand of 79 runs for the 7th wicket to break Bangladesh hearts.
England vs Bangladesh Brief Score:
Bangladesh 178 (49.4 overs): Sobhana Mosteri 60 (108); Sophie Ecclestone 3-24
England 182-6 (46.1 overs): Heather Knight 79* (111); Fahima Khatun 3-16
England won 4 wickets