Credit: ICC
In the eighth Women’s World Cup 2025 match between England and Bangladesh held at the Barsapara Stadium, the former emerged victorious by four wickets. Winning the toss, England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt elected to field first. Within the first powerplay, Bangladesh lost their top-order batters Rubya Haider and captain Nigar Sultana. Haider fell against Lauren Bell while Linsey Smith got rid of Sultana. Sophie Ecclestone got Sharmin Akhter caught at the hands of Amy Jones and went back to the dugout after hoarding 30 runs off 52 balls. With Bangladesh reeling on 59/3 in 15.3 overs, England’s spin-bowling unit looked to take advantage of the turning surface and create more problems for the struggling side.
Charlie Dean got rid of Shorna Akter (10 off 23) and Ritu Moni (five off 36) while Sophie Ecclestone won her battles against Fahima Khatun (seven off 25) and Nahida Akter (one off eight). Alice Capsey stood tall against Marufa Akter (0 off one). Riding on fine batting efforts Sobhana Mostary (60 off 108) and Rabeya Khatun (43* off 27), Bangladesh reached 178 in 49.4 overs. Ecclestone emerged as the most effective bowler for England as she registered 3/24 figures in her 10 overs while Dean, Capsey, and Smith got two wickets apiece. Lauren Bell also bagged one wicket in her seven overs.
England chased down the total and register the second victory in a row
Following the target, England lost their opener Amy Jones (one off three) and Tammy Beaumont (13 off 17) in the opening powerplay but Heather Knight held her nerves and played a crucial innings to help the English side cross the line. After losing both openers at a score 29/2 in 6.1 overs, Knight and skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stitched a 40-run stand 73 deliveries.
After Brunt’s dismissal, England witnessed themselves under trouble as Sophia Dunkley and Emma Lamb fell cheaply but veteran Knight showed nerves of steel and stitched crucial stands with Capsey and Dean to take England home by four wickets in hand and 23 balls to spare. Knight remained unbeaten at 79 off 111 balls and became the Player of the Match (POTM). Dean also amassed 27* off 56 in pressure. The English side are now at the top of the tally with two off two wins.
