Oct, 8 2025
When Heather Knight, captain of England Women walked out to the crease at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the atmosphere was buzzing. The match was part of the Women's Cricket World Cup and pitted England against a hungry Bangladesh Women side in the tournament’s eighth game.
Match Overview: A Tight Chase
The opening toss saw England elect to field, hoping to exploit the early morning dew. Bangladesh posted 178 all out in 49.4 overs, a total that looked modest on paper but proved tricky thanks to disciplined batting. England’s chase unfolded over 46.1 overs, ending 182 for 6, securing a four‑wicket win with 23 balls to spare and snapping them to the top of the points table.
Bangladesh’s Innings: A Maiden Fifty
Opening the innings, Sobhana Mostary celebrated her first international half‑century, grinding 60 runs off 108 balls. Her steady partnership with Rabeya Khan (43 off 27) set a platform, while Sharmin Akhter added 30. The late surge was halted by England’s spin attack, leaving Bangladesh just shy of 180.
England’s Chase: Knight’s Masterclass
At the crease, Knight anchored the run chase with a composed 79 off 111 balls, mixing drives and cuts to keep the run rate in check. Supporting her, Nat Sciver‑Brunt contributed 32, while Charlie Dean added 27. A few nervous edges and near‑misses kept the tension high, but the partnership steadied England to the target.
Bowling Battles and Key Performances
England’s spin duo shone. Sophie Ecclestone took 3 for 24, turning the ball sharply on a slightly damp pitch. She was backed by Charlie Dean (2 for 28) and the seamers Alice Capsey and Linsey Smith, each picking up two wickets.
Bangladesh’s bowlers fought back fiercely. Fahima Khatun ripped through the middle order, returning figures of 3 for 16. Marufa Akter also claimed two wickets, making England work for every run after the 100‑run mark.
Implications for the Tournament
With two straight wins, England now sit atop the group, a crucial position heading into the next round of fixtures. The performance also sends a signal to other contenders that England’s batting depth can withstand pressure, while their spin attack remains a threat in sub‑continental conditions.
Bangladesh, despite the loss, earned praise for their resilience. Mostary’s maiden fifty and Khan’s explosive cameo suggest a growing batting confidence that could translate into points in upcoming matches.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
England’s next challenge comes against Australia Women on October 10, a clash that could reshape the group dynamics. Analysts expect England to rely on Knight’s experience and Ecclestone’s spin in the hot Guwahati conditions.
Bangladesh will look to bounce back against New Zealand Women, hoping to build on Mostary’s form and tighten their death‑over bowling.
Key Facts
- Event: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025India
- Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- Date: 7 October 2025
- Result: England Women 182/6 (46.1 overs) beat Bangladesh Women 178 (49.4 overs)
- Top scores: Heather Knight 79, Sobhana Mostary 60
Frequently Asked Questions
How does England’s win affect their chances of reaching the semi‑finals?
Securing two points puts England at the summit of Group A, meaning they only need one more win from the next two matches to guarantee a semi‑final berth. Their net run rate also improved, giving them a cushion if other teams finish level on points.
Who were the standout performers for Bangladesh despite the loss?
Sobhana Mostary’s maiden fifty and Rabeya Khan’s rapid 43 were the highlights. Fahima Khatun’s three‑wicket haul also kept England’s chase uncomfortable, showing Bangladesh can trouble top‑ranked sides with disciplined bowling.
What conditions did the teams face at Barsapara Cricket Stadium?
The pitch offered a slight seam early on, aiding Bangladesh’s bowlers, but by the second session, it flattened and began to assist spin. The evening dew helped the England fielders, making the ball slick and challenging for batters on the final overs.
When is England’s next match and who are they playing?
England faces Australia Women on October 10, 2025, at the same venue. The clash is billed as a “battle of the titans” and will be a crucial test of England’s spin resources against Australia’s aggressive top order.
What does this result mean for the ranking of Bangladesh Women?
Although they dropped two points, Bangladesh’s competitive display improves their net run rate, keeping them within striking distance of the top three spots. A win in their next game could see them climb to fourth place in the group.
shirish patel
October 8, 2025 AT 02:41Oh great, another nail‑biter where England just barely sneaks past Bangladesh – truly a masterclass in ‘edge‑of‑your‑seat’ cricket.