England Cricket on Monday posted an Instagram reel of its players reminiscing about “good memories” at the ACA Stadium here, a reference to their dominant 10-wicket win over South Africa in their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 opener. But just two days later, those memories were almost soured as a spirited Bangladesh side came close to scripting an upset before Heather Knight’s crafty unbeaten half-century guided England to a hard-fought four-wicket win on Tuesday.
Chasing a modest 179, England were rattled early by Marufa Akter’s fiery new-ball burst and then found themselves entangled in leg-spinner Fahima Khatun’s web in the middle overs. The collapse left them staring at defeat, but former captain Heather Knight (79 not out off 111 balls) held firm with a masterclass in composure and control. Supported by Charlie Dean’s gritty 27 not out off 56 balls, Knight steered England home with an unbroken 79-run stand for the seventh wicket, a partnership that rescued her team from the jaws of one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.
Coming in after Amy Jones’s dismissal off the final ball of the first over, Knight anchored the chase with trademark calm. The 34-year-old mixed caution with calculated aggression to bring up her 27th ODI fifty — her fourth in World Cup history — and stood tall even as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Dean’s assured presence complemented her perfectly, the duo’s resilience sealing victory with 18 balls to spare.
Earlier, Bangladesh had made England sweat from the very start. Marufa Akter set the tone with a fiery opening spell, trapping Amy Jones in the first over with a sharp inswinger before dismissing Tammy Beaumont in similar fashion to leave England wobbling at 29/2.
Fahima Khatun then took over, breaking a promising stand between Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt by removing the latter off a full toss before trapping Sophia Dunkley lbw for a duck. She continued her fine rhythm, sending back Emma Lamb, while Sanjida Meghla added to England’s woes by pinning Alice Capsey in front.
Earlier in the day, England’s disciplined bowling effort had restricted Bangladesh to 178. Sobhana Mostary’s composed 60 was the lone bright spot, while Rabeya Khatun’s unbeaten 47 added late resistance. But regular wickets prevented any significant partnerships as England’s attack maintained relentless pressure.
Sophie Ecclestone once again led from the front with figures of 3/24, while Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean and Alice Capsey chipped in with two wickets apiece. Lauren Bell provided the early breakthrough to cap off a well-rounded bowling display.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 178 ( Sobhana Mostary 60, Rabeya Khatun 47; Sophie Ecclestone 3/24, Charlie Dean 2/28) lose to England 182/6 (Heather Knight 79 not out, Nat Sciver-Brunt 32; Fahima Khatun 3/16, Marufa Akter 2/28) by 4 wickets.