Women's World Cup 2025: England beat Bangladesh despite batting collapse
What's the story
Despite a middle-order collapse, England prevailed against Bangladesh in the 2025 ICC Women's ODI World Cup encounter at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. England successfully chased down what appeared to be a modest 179, with Heather Knight seeing them through. She slammed an unbeaten 79 after England were down to 78/5. Earlier, Sobhana Mostary's 60 saved Bangladesh from an early collapse. Here are the stats.
Start
Bangladesh falter after poor start
Bangladesh's innings struggled to gain momentum after England elected to bowl. Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith struck early blows, bringing down their opponents to 25/2. Despite Sharmin Akhter and Mostary briefly stabilizing things at 31/2 after the first powerplay, wickets continued to fall. Akhter also departed soon after scoring 30. Bangladesh soon slumped to 85/4 in the 22nd over.
Middle overs
Mostary, Rabeya power Bangladesh
After Shorna Akter was dismissed, Bangladesh's scoring rate took a hit. Ritu Moni and Mostary were kept at bay thereafter. Moni eventually succumbed in the 34th over, leaving Bangladesh at 108/5. While Mostary held her fort, Fahima Khatun departed after showing resistance. The former then found support from Rabeya Khan, whose 27-ball 43* took Bangladesh past 150.
Half-century
Mostary shines with maiden WODI fifty
Mostary was dismissed by Alice Capsey in the 47th over. She slammed a 108-ball 60 (8 fours). According to ESPNcricinfo, she recorded her maiden half-century in WODI cricket. She made her debut in the format in 2018. In 25 matches (21 innings), Mostary has racked up 325 runs at an average of 21.66. Her tally includes a strike rate of 61.55.
England start
England struggle at 78/5
Bangladesh started strongly, with Marufa Akter making early inroads into England's batting line-up. She dismissed Amy Jones (1) and Tammy Beaumont (2) as England reeled at 29/2. Despite the early setbacks, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Knight steadied the ship with a vital 40-run partnership. However, Fahima Khatun struck in quick succession, dismissing Sciver-Brunt (32) and Sophie Dunkley (0). This left England reeling at 78/5.
Information
Knight plays match-winning knock
Knight held her ground and formed a crucial partnership with Charlotte Dean (27*) to steer England home. The former returned unbeaten on 79 off 111 balls, a knock studded with 8 fours and a six.
Stats
Fourth-most WODI runs for England
During the match, Knight surpassed the run tally of Claire Taylor (4,101). She now has the fourth-most runs for England in WODIs, only behind Charlotte Edwards (5,992), Tammy Beaumont (4,562), and Sciver-Brunt (4,124). In 151 WODIs, Knight owns 4,116 runs at an average of 35.79. She has two tons and 27 half-centuries. Notably, Knight raced to her fourth half-century in the WODI World Cup.
England bowlers
What about the bowlers?
England's spinners were on fire, with Sophie Ecclestone leading the charge with impressive figures of 3/24 in her 10 overs. Her tally includes three maiden overs. Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean, and Alice Capsey took two wickets each. For Bangladesh, Fahima Khatun starred with three for just 16 runs in 10 overs (two maidens). Marufa Akter scalped two wickets.