In a closely contested encounter at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, England narrowly defeated Bangladesh by four wickets in the eighth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Chasing a target of 179, England finished at 182/6 in 46.1 overs, led by captain Heather Knight’s unbeaten 79, which anchored the innings and guided her side to victory.
Bangladesh batted first and posted a competitive total of 178 all out in 49.4 overs. Sobhana Mostary top-scored with 60 runs, while Rabeya Khan added a quick 43 not out to provide a late boost. England’s spinners proved decisive, with Sophie Ecclestone taking 3 wickets for 24 runs, supported by Charlie Dean and Alice Capsey, who claimed two wickets each. Their disciplined bowling kept Bangladesh’s scoring in check and prevented any big partnerships from forming.
England’s chase, however, started shakily. Early wickets fell regularly, and at 103/6, the match appeared to be slipping away. Knight’s composed batting under pressure, combined with a steady 27* from Charlie Dean, formed a crucial seventh-wicket partnership of 79 runs. This stand turned the tide in England’s favour, allowing them to reach the target with 23 balls to spare.
The match featured tense moments, including three instances where Knight was reprieved through successful reviews, showcasing her resilience and mental toughness. Her performance highlighted the value of experience and calm under pressure in high-stakes tournament cricket.
Despite the defeat, Bangladesh demonstrated significant promise. Their ability to post a competitive total against a seasoned England side reflected their growing skill and development in women’s cricket. The team’s fighting spirit and contributions from younger players like Mostary and Khan underscored the progress of Bangladesh in international competitions.
With this win, England moves to the top of the Women’s World Cup standings, maintaining an unbeaten record in their first two matches. The victory reinforces their status as strong contenders in the tournament, while also providing valuable momentum heading into upcoming fixtures.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will look to regroup and build on their performance as they prepare for future matches. The experience gained from competing closely with top-ranked teams like England will be crucial for their growth and confidence in the tournament.
The thrilling encounter in Guwahati exemplified the competitive spirit of the Women’s World Cup, showcasing exciting cricket, individual brilliance, and moments of high tension. Both teams exhibited skill, determination, and strategic play, providing fans with a memorable and engaging match.
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