In a gripping encounter at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 , England 4 wickets victory over Bangladesh in low scoring thriller , Heather Knight played a match winning 79* knock guiding her team to victory after early trouble in chase.
England women won the toss and Opted to bowl first, Bangladesh innings started on a shaky notes as Rubya Haider 4 off 9 was dismissed early by Lauren Bell giving england the perfect Start while skipper Nigar Sultana departed without scoring ,Sharmin Akhter tried to steady the innings with a composed 30 off 52 balls, hitting six boundaries.
The stand out performer for Bangladesh was Shobhana Mostary 60 off 108 balls including 8 boundaries her clam and patience innings kept Bangladesh in game lack of support from other end hurt the team momentum Shorna Akter added 10 runs while Ritu Moni 5 off 36 balls.
In the lower order, Rabeya Khan produced a late flourish, smashing 43 not out from just 27 balls, hitting six fours and a six at a striking rate of 159.26, which helped Bangladesh cross the 170-mark. while Fahima Khatun (7), Nahida Akter (1), Marufa Akter (0), and Shanjida Akter Meghla (1).
England bowling sophie Ecclestone is stand out bowler for England 3/24 in 10 overs , while Charlie Dean, Alice Capsey and Linsey Smith gets 2 wickets each and Lauren Bell takes 1 wicket.
Chasing 179 , England innings began on a nervy note . Amy jones dismissed in very first over managed only 1 while Tammy Beaumont was trapped lbw by Marufa Akter on 13 , the early breakthroughs gave Bangladesh hope.
However, the experienced Heather Knight stepped in to stabilize the innings. Her calm approach under pressure was exactly what England needed. She built a steady 40 runs partnership with Nat Sciver-Brunt, who played a brisk 32 off 41 dismissed by Fahima Khatun. Bangladesh’s spinners continued to attack, while sophie Dunkley dismissed on without scoring and Alice Capsey managed 20 off 34 balls.
At one point, England were reduced to 103 for 6, and the game was hanging in the balance. The Bangladesh bowlers, led by Marufa Akter and Fahima Khatun, kept things tight and tested the patience of the English batters.
Heather Knight and Charlotte Dean crucial unbeaten 79-run stand for the seventh wicket that completely changed the complexion of the match.
Knight’s innings was a masterclass in composure and timing. She struck eight boundaries and a six in her 79 not out off 111 balls, anchoring the chase with experience and precision. Dean, on the other hand, played the perfect supporting role, scoring a valuable 27 not out off 56 deliveries. Their partnership frustrated Bangladesh’s bowlers, who failed to find breakthroughs despite creating pressure.
England finally reached the target in 46.1 overs, finishing at 182 for 6, and sealed victory .
Bangladesh bowling, Fatima Khatun is stand out bowler for Bangladesh 3/16 in 10 overs, while Marufa Akter 2/28 in 5 overs and Shanjida Akter Meghla takes 1 wicket.