Guwahati, Oct 7 (NationPress) Nat Sciver-Brunt commended her team's tenacity after the England Women's cricket team clinched a hard-fought four-wicket victory against Bangladesh at the Baraspara Stadium on Tuesday during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. With this win, England achieved two victories in as many matches, successfully chasing down a target of 178 runs in 46.1 overs, positioning themselves at the top of the points table with four points, equal with India but leading on net run rate.

“We accomplished what we needed to secure the win. Prior to the tournament, we discussed as a team the importance of being gritty and resilient to achieve our goals. While the match could have showcased a better performance, we are a satisfied team. Initially, it seemed easier to take on the seam bowling. Capsey delivered some crucial overs that were instrumental in limiting Bangladesh's total,” Brunt stated after the match.

In the early stages, England’s seamers performed well, but it was the spin quartet — Sophie Ecclestone (3-24), Charlie Dean (2-28), Alice Capsey (2-31), and Linsey Smith (2/33) — who effectively stifled the Bangladesh innings, ensuring the home team couldn't recover despite a valiant half-century from Sobhana Mostary.

“We are fortunate to have Linsey and Sophie for the death overs. It’s something I consider when the lights come on; it’s easier to bat and either bring Bell back in or retain Sophie for later stages,” she added.

“Regarding the team’s balance, it’s fantastic to have Charlie coming in at a pivotal position. Their composure was remarkable. We would have preferred to finish the match with more wickets in hand,” she mentioned.

Former captain Heather Knight stood firm under pressure, guiding her team to victory with a composed unbeaten 79 runs off 111 balls. While pursuing the modest target, England faced early setbacks from Marufa Akter (2/28) and Fahima Khatun (3/16), leaving them at 29/2. Knight received crucial support from Sciver-Brunt, adding 40 vital runs for the third wicket. Even when Sophia Dunkley and Emma Lamb fell quickly, the match remained in the balance.

However, Knight’s steadiness and experience prevailed. Her calculated approach, paired with an unbeaten 79-run partnership with Charlie Dean (27 not out), led England to triumph in the 47th over. Sciver-Brunt highlighted the depth and balance of the team, emphasizing the contributions of young players in the death overs and the poise shown by Charlie Dean in critical moments.

“Absolutely. She (Heather Knight) displayed incredible focus, switching gears as needed, which was commendable,” Sciver-Brunt noted.

Mostary’s 60 runs off 108 balls, including eight boundaries, was the solitary highlight for Bangladesh. She achieved her maiden ODI fifty while holding the innings together despite wickets tumbling around her. Rabeya Khan’s late surge of 43 not out off 27 balls, featuring six boundaries, enabled Bangladesh to reach 178 before being bowled out in the final over.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana reflected on her team's determination, stating, “It was an incredible game; my players fought till the last ball. Although we lost early wickets, Sobhana's innings was commendable, though she lacked support. Rabeya's performance was also notable. We were approximately 20-30 runs short on this pitch.”

This result sets England up for a clash against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday, while Bangladesh will regroup ahead of their match against New Zealand in Guwahati on Friday.