Four-time champions England survive Bangladesh scare in Women's World Cup 2025 as Heather Knight guides team to narrow four-wicket win

England secured a hard-fought four-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Women’s World Cup match, as former captain Heather Knight played a crucial role. Knight, who stepped down from captaincy earlier this year, used all her experience to score an unbeaten 79 off 111 balls and guided England to victory after a shaky start in their run chase.

Chasing 179, England were in a spot of bother, 78 for five and then 103 for six. Bangladesh bowlers, especially leg-spinner Fahima Khatun, who picked up three wickets, conceding 16 runs in ten overs, and pacer Marufa Akter, who picked up two for 28 in five overs, put England under serious pressure. But Knight remained calm at the crease and found a steady partner in Charlie Dean. The duo stitched a 79-run stand for the seventh wicket to take England home with 23 balls to spare. Dean remained not out on 27 off 56 balls.

Earlier, Bangladesh were bundled out for 178 in 49.4 overs. Sobhana Mostary top-scored with a patient 60 off 108 balls, while Rabeya Khan added a quick 43 off 27 balls lower down the order to give the total some respectability. England’s spin attack was highly effective once again, with Sophie Ecclestone leading the way with figures of three for 24. Charlotte Dean took two for 28, and Alice Capsey picked up two for 31.

Bangladesh are coming after defeating Pakistan in their tournament opener. Sharmin Akhter hit 14 runs in a single over from Lauren Bell, while Linsey Smith kept things tight from the other end. Bell made a strong comeback and dismissed Rubya Haider with a mistimed shot that was caught by Sophia Dunkley. Smith also got the wicket of Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana, who was caught at short cover for a duck.

Sharmin and Mostary added 34 runs before Sharmin was caught behind off Ecclestone in the 16th over. Wickets fell regularly after that, despite Mostary holding one end. Rabeya’s late cameo gave Bangladesh something to bowl at.

In England’s innings, Amy Jones fell in the first over and Tammy Beaumont was dismissed for 13. Nat Sciver-Brunt scored 32 before being dismissed by Fahima Khatun, who also removed Emma Lamb. With Bangladesh sensing a win, Knight took charge and steered England to their second win of the tournament, following their earlier victory over South Africa.