England vs Bangladesh, Women’s World Cup 2025: Heather Knight’s Heroics Guide England to 4-Wicket Win
In a thrilling contest at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, England edged out Bangladesh by 4 wickets to claim their second win of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. The win propels England to the top of the points table, placing them ahead of India in the ongoing tournament.
Bangladesh Sets Competitive Target
Bangladesh posted a challenging total of 178 runs all out in 49.4 overs. Sobhana Mostary led the charge for Bangladesh with a patient 60 off 108 balls, anchored by crucial support from Rabeya Khan’s explosive 43* off just 27 balls. The English spinners, led by Sophie Ecclestone with an impressive 3/24, applied relentless pressure to restrict the Tigers’ momentum throughout the innings.
Heather Knight played a masterful innings of 79 not out off 111 balls
Heather Knight played a masterful innings of 79 not out off 111 balls to guide England to a nerve-wracking four-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at Guwahati. Coming back from a hamstring injury, Knight showed tremendous resilience and composure on a challenging pitch where England’s middle order had collapsed to 78 for 5.
Facing relentless pressure from Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Fahima Khatun who took 3 wickets for 16 runs, Knight demonstrated patient, old-school cricket by carefully negotiating the tricky conditions. Her strike rate hovered conservatively as she took time to settle, not scoring on 65 of her 111 deliveries, but was resolute in weathering the storm. Knight’s technique with the sweep shot, honed during practice sessions, helped her counter the spin threat effectively.
Her unbeaten innings, featuring eight fours and one six, was the backbone of England’s chase, supported ably by a crucial 79-run partnership with Charlie Dean for the seventh wicket. Knight’s mature innings was key in steering her team past a tough target of 179 with 23 balls to spare, earning her the Player of the Match award and keeping England’s unbeaten World Cup run alive.
England’s Nervy Chase
Chasing 179, England’s innings was far from straightforward. Early wickets fell, with Bangladesh bowlers Marufa Akter and Fahima Khatun making the most of the conditions, reducing England to a precarious position at 78/5. Yet captain Heather Knight stood firm, playing a masterclass of patience and determination with an unbeaten 79, including 8 fours and a six. She was ably supported by Charlie Dean, whose steady 27* helped steady the innings after a shaky start.
Match Turning Moments
Early breakthroughs from Marufa and Fahima put England under pressure.
Knight and Dean’s crucial 79-run partnership resurrected England’s chase.
Knight’s composed leadership and timely boundaries frustrated the disciplined Bangladeshi attack.
Charlie Dean sealed the victory with a powerful boundary, securing the win with 23 balls to spare.
Key Performers
Heather Knight (ENG): 79* (111 balls) – Player of the Match
Sophie Ecclestone (ENG): 3/24
Fahima Khatun (BAN): 3/16
Sobhana Mostary (BAN): 60 (108 balls)
Rabeya Khan (BAN): 43* (27 balls)
This match showcased the rising competitiveness of the Women’s World Cup, with Bangladesh putting up a strong fight and England demonstrating experience and resilience in their chase. The win keeps England unbeaten and in strong contention for the semifinals as the tournament progresses.
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England Women: 182/6 (46.1 overs)
Bangladesh Women: 178 all out (49.4 overs)
England won by 4 wickets.
Match played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.