By Parth Dhall | Oct 07, 2025 | 9:51 PM
**England Edge Past Bangladesh in Thrilling ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Clash at Guwahati**
Despite a middle-order collapse, England prevailed against Bangladesh in a gripping 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup encounter at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Chasing a modest target of 179, England were down to 78/5 before Heather Knight took charge and steered her team to victory with an unbeaten 79.
### Bangladesh’s Early Struggles
Bangladesh’s innings struggled to gain momentum after England won the toss and elected to bowl. England’s Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith struck early, reducing Bangladesh to 25/2. Although Sharmin Akhter and Sobhana Mostary briefly stabilized the innings at 31/2 after the first powerplay, wickets continued to tumble, with Akhter departing soon after scoring 30.
By the 22nd over, Bangladesh had slipped to 85/4, placing them under pressure during the middle overs.
### Middle Overs: Mostary and Rabeya Step Up
After Shorna Akter’s dismissal, Bangladesh’s scoring slowed considerably. Ritu Moni and Sobhana Mostary faced tight bowling, with Moni eventually falling in the 34th over, leaving Bangladesh at 108/5. Mostary continued to hold the innings together, even as Fahima Khatun showed resistance but soon got out.
Mostary found valuable support from Rabeya Khan, whose quickfire 43* off 27 balls lifted Bangladesh past the 150-run mark, injecting some late momentum into their innings.
### Mostary’s Maiden WODI Half-Century
Sobhana Mostary was finally dismissed in the 47th over, scoring a well-crafted 60 from 108 balls, inclusive of eight fours. According to ESPNcricinfo, this marked her maiden half-century in Women’s One Day Internationals. Having debuted in 2018, Mostary has accumulated 325 runs in 25 matches (21 innings) at an average of 21.66 and a strike rate of 61.55.
### England’s Shaky Start at 78/5
Bangladesh struck early in England’s chase, with Marufa Akter making significant inroads by dismissing Amy Jones (1) and Tammy Beaumont (2) as England crumbled to 29/2. Despite these early setbacks, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight forged a vital 40-run partnership to steady the innings.
However, Fahima Khatun struck twice in quick succession, removing Sciver-Brunt (32) and Sophie Dunkley (0), leaving England reeling at 78/5.
### Knight’s Match-Winning Knock
At this critical juncture, Heather Knight held firm. She built a crucial partnership with Charlotte Dean, who remained unbeaten on 27, guiding England to victory. Knight’s unbeaten 79 off 111 balls featured eight fours and a six, showcasing her composure and skill under pressure.
### Knight Climbs England’s WODI Run Charts
During this match, Knight surpassed Claire Taylor’s tally of 4,101 runs to become the fourth-highest run-scorer for England in WODIs, trailing only Charlotte Edwards (5,992), Tammy Beaumont (4,562), and Nat Sciver-Brunt (4,124).
In 151 WODIs, Knight has amassed 4,116 runs at an average of 35.79, including two centuries and 27 half-centuries. Notably, this was her fourth half-century in the WODI World Cup.
### Stellar Performances from England Bowlers
England’s spinners were instrumental in restricting Bangladesh. Sophie Ecclestone led the attack with impressive figures of 3/24 from her 10 overs, including three maidens. Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean, and Alice Capsey each claimed two wickets, ensuring Bangladesh never gained a strong foothold.
For Bangladesh, Fahima Khatun was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for just 16 runs in her 10 overs, including two maiden overs. Marufa Akter also contributed with two wickets.
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England’s resilience and key contributions from Heather Knight and their spin attack ensured they emerged victorious in a closely contested match, setting the tone for their World Cup campaign.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/women-s-wc-2025-england-beat-bangladesh/story
