Guwahati, India – Heather Knight's resilient, unbeaten 79 guided England to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a tense Women's World Cup match held in Guwahati. England overcame a shaky start to maintain their undefeated record in the tournament.
Bangladesh's spinners initially put England on the back foot, but Knight's composed innings proved crucial in securing the win. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, England's Nat Sciver-Brunt's side made a fast start in the field. Early breakthroughs saw Bangladesh reduced to 25/2 within the first six overs, with Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith dismissing Rubya Haider and skipper Nigar Sultana Joty, respectively. England's economical bowling stifled Bangladesh's innings, with two brilliant catches from Amy Jones leaving Bangladesh at 85/4.
Sobhana Mostary's impressive half-century (60 off 108 balls) helped Bangladesh recover and post a competitive total of 178 before being bowled out in 49.4 overs. Rabeya Khan added late fireworks with 43 not out from 27 balls. Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the English bowlers, claiming 3-24, while Linsey Smith took 2-33. Charlie Dean and Alice Capsey also chipped in with two wickets each.
England's chase began nervously, with Marufa Akter and Fahima Khatun troubling the English top order. England were quickly reduced to 29/2 and later 103/6, with Akter and Khatun taking key wickets. Knight, however, displayed resilience, building her innings steadily despite surviving several close calls. She was given out caught behind for a golden duck, but the decision was overturned by DRS. Knight was also ruled lbw on eight, successfully reviewing a second time, and had another catch ruled out when she was on 13.
Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed a steady 32 before falling to a full toss. With wickets tumbling around her, Knight found a valuable partner in Charlie Dean, who contributed an unbeaten 27. Together, they forged a crucial seventh-wicket partnership that saw England over the line. Knight's innings, which included her 27th ODI half-century, earned her the Player of the Match award. She acknowledged the tricky pitch conditions and praised the Bangladesh bowlers, particularly Marufa Akter.
England ultimately reached their target in the 47th over, securing a hard-fought victory and maintaining their strong start to the Women's World Cup 2025.
