In a contest that ebbed and flowed till the final stages, England Women overcame a spirited Bangladesh Women side by four wickets to continue their steady run in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
Batting first, Bangladesh posted 178 in 49.4 overs, a total built around Sobhana Mostary’s (60 off 108) fighting half-century and Rabeya Khan’s (43* off 27) late blitz. On a pitch offering turn and variable bounce, England’s spinners — particularly Sophie Ecclestone (3/24) and Charlie Dean (2/28). However, Bangladesh’s bowlers came roaring back in the second innings, reducing England to 103/6 and threatening to pull off a major upset.
Amidst the tension, Heather Knight’s unbeaten 79 off 111 balls stood tall as the defining knock of the match. The England captain held her nerve when wickets tumbled around her, crafting a measured innings that guided her team to 182/6 in 46.1 overs. Her calm authority at the crease, coupled with Charlie Dean’s mature support, steered England home in what turned into one of the most hard-fought chases of the tournament so far.
Highlights from the match:
Sobhana Mostary – 60 (108)
Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by Sobhana Mostary, whose composed 60 off 108 balls provided stability when early wickets threatened to derail the innings. Her ability to rotate strike and play risk-free cricket reflected maturity beyond her years. While she couldn’t accelerate significantly due to England’s disciplined bowling, Mostary’s knock laid the platform for the lower order and ensured Bangladesh reached a fighting total.
Rabeya Khan – 43* & 0/39 (7)
Injecting much-needed momentum late in the innings, Rabeya Khan produced a counter-attacking gem — an unbeaten 43 off just 27 deliveries. Her fearless approach against England’s spinners changed the tempo of the innings, lifting Bangladesh from 130/7 to a competitive 178. Although she went wicketless in her spell of 7 overs for 39 runs, Rabeya’s late assault with the bat was instrumental in giving Bangladesh something to defend.
Sophie Ecclestone – 3/24 (10)
England’s bowling effort was once again led by Sophie Ecclestone, who delivered another spell of high quality. The left-arm spinner claimed 3 for 24, including key wickets of Sharmin Akter, Fahima Khatun, and Nahida Akter, to stifle Bangladesh’s scoring momentum. Her subtle variations and consistent accuracy in the middle overs ensured Bangladesh never gained control of the innings. Ecclestone’s reliability continues to be England’s biggest weapon in these conditions.
Heather Knight – 79* (111)
Under immense pressure, Heather Knight showcased her class with an innings of substance and serenity. Coming in after early setbacks, the England skipper anchored the chase with an unbeaten 79 off 111 balls, blending grit with composure. Her ability to rotate strike and absorb pressure stood out, particularly during her crucial unbroken partnership of 79 with Charlie Dean. Knight’s measured approach turned a tricky chase into a calculated pursuit, earning her the Player of the Match honour. Saved by the TV umpire on 0, 8, and 13 with controversial calls, she made the most of it.
Charlie Dean – 2/28 (10) & 27* (56)
All-rounder Charlie Dean provided the perfect foil to her captain, producing a calm and disciplined performance. With the ball, she returned 2 for 28 in 10 overs, removing Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni to break crucial partnerships. Later, with the bat, she remained unbeaten on 27 off 56 balls, guiding England safely home alongside Knight. Dean’s composure and match awareness underlined her growing importance to England’s balanced setup.
Fahima Khatun – 3/16 (10)
If Bangladesh had any hopes of a famous upset, it was because of Fahima Khatun’s exceptional spell. Bowling with control and intelligence, she returned 3 for 16 in 10 overs, dismantling England’s middle order and sparking genuine panic in the opposition camp. Her wickets of Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Emma Lamb came through sharp variations in pace and flight. Fahima’s spell — the most economical of the match — epitomized Bangladesh’s spirited bowling effort.
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