Bangladesh’s hopes of securing a famous win faded after a bright start as they slipped to a four-wicket defeat against England in their second match of the ICC Women’s World Cup at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on 7 October.
Opting to bat first, Nigar Sultana’s side were dismissed for 178 in 49.4 overs. Despite setting a modest total, the Tigresses made England fight for every run, reducing them to 78 for 5 before captain Heather Knight and Charlie Dean turned the game around. Their 85-run stand steadied England’s innings and sealed the victory with 23 balls to spare.
Knight anchored the chase with an unbeaten 79 under pressure, while Dean added a composed 27 not out. Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed 32 during the rebuilding phase after Bangladesh’s early breakthroughs. Among the bowlers, Fahima Khatun impressed with 3 wickets, while Marufa Akter took 2 and Sanjida Akter Meghla claimed 1.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s batting effort was built around a patient knock from Sobhana Mostary, who scored 60 off 108 deliveries at No. 3. Her resistance proved vital as wickets tumbled around her. Lower down the order, Rabeya Khan produced her best international innings, an unbeaten 43 off 27 balls with six fours and a six, giving the total a late boost.
Opener Sharmin Akhter made 30 from 52 balls, but captain Nigar Sultana was dismissed for a duck, and Rubya Haider, the hero of the previous match, fell cheaply for 9.
England’s bowling was spearheaded by Sophie Ecclestone, who returned impressive figures of 3 for 24. Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean and Alice Capsey each chipped in with two wickets apiece.
