England Women defeated Bangladesh by 4 wickets in a close contest at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in Guwahati. England’s bowlers performed exceptionally, restricting Bangladesh to 178 runs. A composed innings by Sobhana Mostary and late fireworks from Rabeya Khatun (43)* helped Bangladesh post a respectable total. Sophie Ecclestone (3/24 in 10 overs) led the bowling attack, while Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean, and Alice Capsey took 2 wickets each, keeping the opposition under pressure.

While chasing, England Women got off to a poor start and lost early wickets. At one stage, they were 78/5 after 22.1 overs. Fahima Khatun (3/16 in 10 overs) bowled brilliantly, but a composed innings by Heather Knight guided England to a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Bangladesh.

England’s Spinners Dominate with the Ball

England’s spinners had set up the win. Sophie Ecclestone took three wickets, while Linsey Smith grabbed two for 33. Off-spinners Dean and Capsey also picked two wickets each.

Bangladesh struggled for momentum, facing 136 dot balls by the 30th over. Sobhana Mostary’s composed 60 from 108 balls was the highlight. She became only the third Bangladeshi woman to score a World Cup half-century.

Rabeya Khan added late fireworks with a six and a four in the final over before Bangladesh was bowled out two balls short of their 50 overs.

Bangladesh Puts Up a Brave Fight

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana had urged her players to “show what they’re capable of so that teams like England and Australia show interest in playing against us.” Her team did just that in only their second ODI against England.

England’s chase of 179 began poorly. Marufa Akter struck twice early, and Fahima Khatun’s quick triple blow left England struggling at 78 for 5. Earlier, Bangladesh’s total of 178 was boosted by Sobhana Mostary’s maiden fifty and a brisk 43 not out from Rabeya Khan.

Knight Battles Through Setbacks

Playing her first innings since a severe hamstring injury in May, Heather Knight showed remarkable resilience. She survived three close calls on 0, 8, and 13 through reviews before leading England’s recovery.

Knight and Charlie Dean shared an unbeaten 79-run stand for the seventh wicket, steering England home with 23 balls left. Knight’s 50 came off 86 deliveries after a slow start, while Dean supported with a steady 27 not out.

Early Drama in England’s Chase

The chase began dramatically. Amy Jones fell lbw to Marufa in the first over. Soon after, Marufa dropped Tammy Beaumont at cover, then dismissed her in her next over following a successful review.

Marufa nearly removed Knight early, but a review saved the England captain. Later, the young pacer left the field with a calf injury, which weakened Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

Fahima and Meghla Keep England Under Pressure

Bangladesh’s spinners kept England in check. Fahima removed Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley in four balls, while Meghla dismissed Alice Capsey with a delivery that hit the top of leg stump. Emma Lamb also fell cheaply, caught at mid-on.

Despite the pressure, Knight held her ground. Her sweeping shots off Shorna Akter and a confident drive down the ground against Meghla signaled a turnaround.

Heather Knight guided England to a hard-fought four-wicket victory, helping her team climb to the top of the Women’s World Cup standings. The win proved far tougher than their earlier ten-wicket triumph over South Africa.

Brief Scorecard