Guwahati, Oct 7 (NationPress) The England Women’s cricket team achieved their second consecutive victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, demonstrating remarkable poise to clinch a nail-biting four-wicket win over Bangladesh at Baraspara Stadium on Tuesday. Heather Knight, the former captain, showcased her experience by anchoring the innings with an impressive unbeaten 79 off 111 balls, leading England to chase down a target of 178 in 46.1 overs. This victory propels them to the top of the points table, sharing four points with India.

Earlier, England’s spin attack, featuring Sophie Ecclestone (3-24), Charlie Dean (2-28), and Alice Capsey (2-31), orchestrated a dominant performance, bowling out Bangladesh for a mere 178 in 49.4 overs. Linsey Smith (2-33) contributed significantly, ensuring Bangladesh struggled despite a valiant half-century from Sobhana Mostary.

Mostary scored a resilient 60 off 108 balls, hitting eight boundaries, and was the standout for Bangladesh in an otherwise struggling innings. The 22-year-old displayed tenacity, stabilizing her side after early wickets fell, including a silver duck for skipper Nigar Sultana.

Bangladesh’s innings lacked rhythm throughout. After Lauren Bell (1-24) dismissed Rubya Haider (4) early, Smith quickly removed Sultana. Although Sharmin Akhter (30) and Mostary briefly steadied the innings, a lack of partnerships hindered their progress, with the team managing just 16 runs between the 20th and 30th overs.

In the latter stages, Rabeya Khan ignited a late surge with a spirited 43 not out off 27 balls, including six fours and a six, but Bangladesh concluded their innings at 178.

England’s chase was fraught with challenges as the Bangladeshi bowlers capitalized on the conditions, leaving England at 29/2 early on. Marufa Akter (2-28) and Fahima Khatun (3-16) struck critical blows, keeping the match competitive.

However, Knight found an able partner in Nat Sciver-Brunt, and they built a 40-run partnership for the third wicket. Yet, following quick dismissals of Sophia Dunkley and Emma Lamb, Bangladesh sensed victory.

Knight, with her exceptional composure, anchored the innings, scoring her 28th ODI half-century. Even as the game became tense at 103/6, she found support from Charlie Dean, who held her own with 27 not out off 56 balls. Together, they forged an unbeaten 79-run partnership for the seventh wicket, guiding England to victory in the 47th over.

This triumph exemplified the collective resilience of the team, beginning with the spin quartet and culminating in Knight’s calm leadership. As a result, England now leads the points table with four points, ahead on net run rate. They are set to face Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday, while Bangladesh will prepare to take on New Zealand in Guwahati on Friday.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 178 all out in 49.4 overs (Sobhana Mostary 60, Rabeya Khan 43 not out; Sophie Ecclestone 3-24, Charlie Dean 2-28, Alice Capsey 2-31) lost to England 182/6 in 46.1 overs (Heather Knight 79*, Nat Sciver-Brunt 32; Fahima Khatun 3-16, Marufa Akter 2-28) by four wickets.