Heather Knight’s Grit Guides England to Tense Victory Over Bangladesh in Women’s World Cup Thriller
England 
Women edged out 
Bangladesh Women by four wickets to claim their second win of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
In a match that had everything – early breakthroughs, middle-order collapses, and a captain’s knock for the ages – Chasing a seemingly straightforward 179 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
England found themselves teetering at 103 for 6 before Heather Knight’s unbeaten 79 steered them home in 46.1 overs, propelling the defending champions to the top of the points table.
The game, played under partly cloudy skies with a pitch offering variable turn for spinners, showcased Bangladesh’s growing prowess in women’s cricket.
After a dominant seven-wicket thrashing of Pakistan in their opener, the Tigresses put up a spirited fight, nearly pulling off what would have been the tournament’s biggest upset.
Their bowlers, led by the leg-spin wizardry of Fahima Khatun (3-16), reduced England to ruins in the middle overs, but Knight’s resilience – surviving three umpiring referrals – proved decisive.
Bangladesh’s Battling Batting Display Sets Modest Target
Opting to field first after skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss, Bangladesh started cautiously on a surface that assisted seam early and spin later.
Openers Rubya Haider fell cheaply to England’s pace attack, but Sobhana Mostary anchored the innings with a gritty 60 off 108 balls – her third ODI fifty and a testament to her composure under pressure.
Mostary’s knock included a unique celebration that went viral on social media, as she mimicked a tiger’s roar to honor her team’s nickname.
Sharmin Akhter Played a fighting knock of 30 from 52 balls including six fours. The middle order struggled against England’s spin trio.
Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s top-ranked bowler, was the destroyer-in-chief with 3-24, including the vital scalp of Sharmin (30).
Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean chipped in with two wickets apiece, while Alice Capsey added another.
A late flourish from Rabeya Khan, who smashed 43 not out off just 27 balls with five fours and a six, lifted Bangladesh to 178 all out in 49.4 overs.
It was a total that looked under par, but Bangladesh’s bowlers had other ideas.
“We lost a couple of wickets early, but Sobhana batted beautifully,” said Nigar post-match. “We were short by 20-30 runs, but the way we fought with the ball was incredible.
Rabeya’s innings was inspiring – we’ll think about promoting her higher next time.”
England’s Chase: From Cruise to Collapse, Then Comeback
England’s reply began disastrously. Marufa Akter, the 19-year-old fast-bowling sensation, struck twice in the Powerplay, removing Tammy Beaumont (13) and Amy Jones (1) with seam movement that exploited the new ball.
By the 15th over, England were 51 for 3, with Nat Sciver-Brunt (32) and Knight rebuilding steadily.
But Bangladesh’s spinners turned the screw. Fahima Khatun’s mesmerising leg-breaks accounted for Sciver-Brunt (miscuing a full toss), Sophia Dunkley (lbw for a duck), and later Emma Lamb (1), her figures of 3-16 from 10 overs including three maidens the standout spell of the match.
At one point, England lost 3 for 2 in 12 deliveries, slumping to 78 for 5 and then 103 for 6 – their lowest point in a World Cup chase since 2017.
Enter Knight, who rode her luck through a hat-trick of DRS reprieves (two caught behind, one lbw) before settling in.
The England captain, dropped on 15, played with increasing authority, farming the strike and rotating the strike with poise.
Her 79 not out off 111 balls – featuring eight fours and a six – was a masterclass in crisis management.
Alongside her, Charlie Dean (27 not out off 56) provided steadfast support, their 79-run seventh-wicket stand the highest for that position in a successful Women’s World Cup chase.
The duo guided England to 182 for 6 with 23 balls remaining, sealing a win that, while not pretty, keeps their campaign flawless after a 10-wicket demolition of South Africa.
“Bangladesh have a really good bowling attack – skillful and smart with their fields,” Knight reflected. “There was inconsistent turn, and we made it hard for ourselves. But in World Cups, the main thing is getting over the line.”
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Player of the Match: Heather Knight (ENG) – 79* (113), embodying leadership under fire.
- Bangladesh’s Bowling Stars: Fahima Khatun’s 3-16 tied England in knots, while Marufa Akter’s 2-28 included a perfect in-swinger to trap Amy Jones lbw.
- England’s Spin Dominance: Ecclestone’s variations dismantled Bangladesh’s middle order, with the match seeing a record 450+ spin deliveries – the highest in Women’s World Cup history.
A turning point came in the 29th over when an 18-year-old Shorna Akter bowled a maiden to Knight and Capsey, keeping Bangladesh in the hunt. But Knight’s survival and Dean’s calm resolve flipped the script.
Implications for the Women’s World Cup
This victory catapults England atop the table alongside India, ahead on net run rate, with four points from two games.
Bangladesh, despite the loss, can hold their heads high – their only prior Women’s World Cup meeting with England in 2022 ended in a 100-run drubbing, and today’s effort signals their evolution.
“This is still a ‘win’ for Bangladesh,” noted one pundit, highlighting their infectious energy in the field and ability to rattle a top side.
Next up for England is a blockbuster against hosts India on October 12, while Bangladesh face a tough West Indies on October 10.
As the group stage heats up, matches like this remind us why women’s cricket is thriving: raw passion, unyielding fight, and moments of pure drama.
In a tournament already delivering upsets – from Bangladesh’s opener win to rain-affected draws – Knight’s knock ensures England remain favorites. But if today’s scare is anything to go by, no result is guaranteed.
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