England Overcomes Bangladesh Challenge And Seals Four-Wicket Victory
England Overcomes Bangladesh Challenge And Seals Four-Wicket Victory
Women's ODI World Cup: England Vs Bangladesh - South Africa Women crushed New Zealand by 6 wickets in their World Cup opener. Tazmin Brits smashed a brilliant century, while Nonkululeko Mlaba starred with 4 wickets.
England Women had to work hard but eventually chased down a tricky total to beat Bangladesh by 4 wickets. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, England’s spinners did a fine job to bowl Bangladesh out for 178 runs. In reply, captain Heather Knight held her nerve with an unbeaten 79, guiding her side home with four wickets and four overs left.
Bangladesh fought well through Sobhana Mostary’s steady 60 and a quick late flourish from Rabeya Khan (43), but their total wasn’t enough on a slow surface where England’s experience made the difference.
Bangladesh Innings
Bangladesh didn’t have the best start as Rubya Haider (4) and skipper Nigar Sultana (0) fell early. Sharmin Akhter (30) and Sobhana Mostary (60) tried to rebuild, adding some stability in the middle overs. Sobhana played a patient knock, hitting 8 boundaries and keeping one end secure.
The real spark came late from Rabeya Khan (43 off 27), who played some fearless shots, smashing six fours and a six to lift Bangladesh to 178. But apart from her, wickets kept falling regularly.
For England, the spinners did most of the damage — Sophie Ecclestone (3/24) was outstanding as always, while Charlie Dean (2/28) and Linsey Smith (2/33) kept things tight.
England Innings
Chasing 179, England didn’t seem to be an easy task for Ethe ngland women. Marufa Akter struck twice early to remove Tammy Beaumont (13) and Amy Jones (1). Then Fahima Khatun caused more trouble, dismissing Natalie Sciver-Brunt (32) and Sophia Dunkley (0) in quick time.
At one stage, England looked shaky at 91/5. But captain Heather Knight stood firm. She played a captain’s innings, staying calm under pressure and guiding her team home with an unbeaten 79 off 111 balls. Charlie Dean (23)* offered good support towards the end as England crossed the line in the 46th over.
For Bangladesh, Fahima Khatun bowled beautifully, finishing with 3/16, while Marufa Akter impressed again with 2/28.
Brief Scores
Bangladesh: 178 all out (Sobhana Mostary 60, Rabeya Khan 43*; Sophie Ecclestone 3/24, Charlie Dean 2/28)
England: 179/6 (Heather Knight 79*, Natalie Sciver-Brunt 32; Fahima Khatun 3/16, Marufa Akter 2/28)