In a gripping World Cup encounter at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, Bangladesh walked away empty-handed but far from defeated in spirit, following their four-wicket loss to tournament heavyweights England, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Defending a modest total of 179, Bangladesh, under skipper Nigar Sultana Joty, fought valiantly, buoyed by an exceptional spell from veteran leg-spin all-rounder Fahima Khatun, whose figures of 3/16 from 10 overs kept hopes alive well into the closing overs.
Heroics from England’s Heather Knight, who produced an unbeaten half-century (79* off 111 balls, 8 fours, 1 six) and was named Player of the Match, ultimately sealed the contest with 23 balls to spare, ensuring England’s unbeaten run continued at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Fahima Khatun’s post-match press conference was marked by both pride and frustration, as she candidly discussed a pivotal moment in the game, a disputed catch that, according to the Bangladesh camp, might have swung the result. “It was a disappointing decision for us,” remarked Khatun. “Every player in our team felt it was a clear dismissal. The decision was overturned after being given out, which was disappointing.
We all know how crucial that wicket was. Had the call gone our way, there was every chance the outcome of the match could have been different.” The missed chance was the first of three reprieves for Heather Knight, who, returning from injury, survived two crucial reviews, first for a caught behind that was ruled to have only brushed her pad, and next for an LBW that ball-tracking showed would have bounced over the stumps. Bangladesh’s belief that the Knight wicket would have changed the game was echoed by Khatun’s post-match reflection.
While the defeat was a setback, Bangladesh’s self-belief remains strong. “We were trying hard to get Heather Knight’s wicket because if we had got her out at that stage, things would have been much better,” said Khatun, underscoring the unity and confidence that runs through the team after a campaign-opening win against Pakistan by seven wickets on 2nd October at Colombo, and a close defeat to England. Bangladesh’s World Cup journey so far, one win, one loss, sitting fourth in the standings, has been defined by determined cricket and a steadfast refusal to be overawed by reputations.
Khatun continued, “We started (the World Cup) well, and we started our journey with a good win. So, from that sense, we were very much confident. Today, we fell short by 20-30 runs. (But) If we can maintain this flow, then every team will not be able to take us easily. We had a preparation that we’re going to play the World Cup not only to play good cricket, but we will go to win there, no matter who our opponent is. We won’t see anyone superior; we’ll just go according to our strength, and we’ll try to play well on that particular day. Ultimately, the result will come toward us.”
Fahima Khatun’s own spell was the highlight for Bangladesh, as she consistently applied pressure, picking up three crucial wickets while conceding just 16 runs in ten overs. Bangladesh’s bowlers felt their 178 with the bat was defendable, and England, at 78/5 in the 23rd over, were in danger before Knight, Dean (27* off 56 balls), and Capsey (20 off 34 balls) steadied the chase.
Khatun conceded, “We have already said that we had a winning score, we will defend that because we were very much confident about our bowling attack and the same was said from our team management; they were very confident about it. That inspired us a lot. So, we were very confident. When Charlie Dean came to the wicket, then I would give her credit; she played really well. From there, we also gave some scoring balls, where they converted them to boundaries.
“So, I think, there was a little bit of pressure at that stage, but still, when I was talking with the captain and my other teammates, when they were only 16 runs behind, I kept saying that if we could bowl four miraculous balls, then the match is ours. Because anything can happen anytime, cricket is actually unpredictable. So, if we could bowl four good wicket-taking balls, then the match could turn in our favour. I think we had a chance till the last run.”
Bangladesh’s campaign found further adversity as young pace sensation Marufa Akter, Player of the Match against Pakistan, could bowl only five overs before cramping kept her off the field for the latter half of England’s innings. “She was feeling some cramping issues,” Khatun explained, “I think she’s better now. She’s doing well. I think it was one of the reasons for our loss. If we could let her bowl two (or) three more overs, then it would be more effective. We missed her a lot.”
With two rounds completed and Bangladesh firmly in the race for semi-final qualification, focus swiftly shifts to their next clash against New Zealand, led by Sophie Devine, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Friday, 10th October. Bangladesh are adamant that, despite a narrow loss to England and ongoing challenges, their confidence and belief remain undimmed, ready for their next World Cup battle.
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