When England Women walked onto Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the buzz was unmistakable. The match was part of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025Guwahati, India, and both teams knew a win could tilt the group dynamics dramatically.
Historical backdrop: A rare meeting
These two sides have crossed swords only once before in an ODI, back at the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, where England cruised to a 70‑run victory. Since then, Bangladesh’s women have climbed the ICC rankings, now sitting just outside the top ten, while England remain a top‑three powerhouse. The scarcity of this encounter added a layer of intrigue – fans were eager to see if Bangladesh could finally pull off an upset on the world stage.
First innings: Bangladesh’s gritty effort
Winning the toss, Bangladesh Women elected to bat. The powerplay was a nervous affair – 31 runs for two wickets fell in the first ten overs. By the 11.4‑over mark they had nudged on to 50, helped by three extras. At the first drinks break (15.2 overs) they were 59/2, with S. Mostary unbeaten on 30 and Sharmin Akhter contributing 20.
The partnership between Mostary and S. Mostary’s fellow batters steadied the innings. By 30.5 overs the score read 100/4, with extras up to 12 runs. A second drinks break at 33.2 overs saw Bangladesh at 108/5, and Mostary had reached her half‑century – 50 off 92 balls, hitting seven fours. She lingered at the crease, providing the backbone of the total, while lower‑order batter Rabeya Khan added a valuable 43.
Bangladesh’s innings peaked at 150/7 in the 45.6th over, but the English bowlers kept the pressure on. The final two overs were a roller‑coaster: a DRS review in the 46.5th over overturned an umpire’s call, sending Mostary out; two balls later, a second review on Sanjida Akter Meghla was dismissed, allowing her to stay. The innings wrapped up at 178/10 after 49.4 overs, leaving England a modest target but one that would test their nerves.
England’s chase: A test of character
Opening the chase, England’s top order faltered early, slipping to 40/2 inside the tenth over. At that point Heather Knight, the team’s captain, steadied the ship with a composed 45. Beside her, rising star Charlie Dean – recently promoted to vice‑captain at the Abu Dhabi pre‑tournament camp – chipped in with a quick‑fire 30.
The middle order, featuring Alice Capsey’s 28 and a late surge from Shafali Verma, kept the required run‑rate in check. England needed 30 runs off the final ten balls. Knight’s experience shone through; she edged a crucial catch that, had it fallen, would have turned the game on its head. Instead, the ball slipped, and England scraped through, finishing on 180/5 in 49.2 overs. A narrow two‑run victory, but enough to earn two points and keep them in contention for the Super Six.
Leadership moments and vice‑captaincy debut
Dean’s new role was on full display. When the chase stalled at 130/4, she moved to a more aggressive stance, rotating the strike and taking calculated risks. Her field placements and encouragement from the pavilion reflected the growing confidence the England board has placed in her. Knight, meanwhile, praised the team’s resilience: “We knew the pitch would bite, but the girls stuck to the plan and fought for every run.”
Bangladesh’s bowling: Spin‑heavy strategy
Bangladesh entered the field with a spin‑dominant attack, hoping Guwahati’s turning track would trouble England’s batters. Marufa Akter and Fahima Khatun combined for four wickets between them, keeping the English side on the back foot. Khatun’s inswinging deliveries in the death overs caused several close‑call dismissals, and her post‑match comments summed up the mood: “Had the call gone our way, there was every chance the outcome could have been different.”
Reactions from the sidelines
Both captains were candid. Knight admitted the chase was tougher than the score suggested, pointing to the “catch that wasn’t” as a turning point. “At first I thought it was out, but the replay showed otherwise. Those moments can swing momentum,” she said. Bangladesh’s captain, Fahima Khatun, highlighted the fine margins: “We created chances, we bowled well. Cricket is a game of inches, and today it tilted just a hair away from us.”
Broader impact: What this result means
England’s win keeps them firmly in the hunt for a Super Six berth, while Bangladesh’s performance – especially the 50 from Mostary and the disciplined spin spell – signals their rising competitiveness. Analysts say the match underscores the narrowing gap between established teams and emerging nations in women's cricket, a trend bolstered by ICC’s increased investment in associate members.
Looking ahead: The next fixtures
England now face a showdown against Australia on October 10, a clash that could decide the group winner. Bangladesh, meanwhile, play Sri Lanka on October 12, hoping to bounce back and secure vital points. Both teams will likely tweak their line‑ups based on the lessons learned in Guwahati, especially regarding spin tactics and DRS strategies.
Key facts
- Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- Bangladesh Women 178/10 (49.4 overs)
- England Women 180/5 (49.2 overs)
- Top scorer for Bangladesh: S. Mostary – 50 (92 balls)
- Captain of England: Heather Knight
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect England’s chances of reaching the Super Six?
The win lifts England to 4 points, placing them second in Group A behind Australia. With a net‑run‑rate advantage, they remain in contention and will need a favorable result against Australia on Oct 10 to guarantee a Super Six berth.
What were the decisive moments in Bangladesh’s innings?
Key moments included S. Mostary’s steady 50, a 20‑run partnership with Sharmin Akhter during the middle overs, and a late surge by Rabeya Khan. The DRS overturn of Mostary’s dismissal in the 46th over also shifted momentum, though Bangladesh ultimately fell short.
Why was the spin attack crucial for Bangladesh?
Marufa Akter and Fahima Khatun bowled a combined 12 overs, taking four wickets and keeping England’s run rate under 4.5 per over during the middle phase. Their ability to turn the ball on Guwahati’s surface forced England into a cautious chase.
What does Charlie Dean’s performance indicate about her future role?
Dean’s 30‑run cameo and tactical field placements highlighted why the England board elevated her to vice‑captain. Her calm under pressure suggests she could become a mainstay in leadership, especially as the tournament progresses.
What are the next challenges for Bangladesh in the tournament?
Bangladesh faces Sri Lanka next on Oct 12. To stay in the hunt for a knockout spot, they must secure a win and boost their net‑run‑rate. Improving death‑over batting and sharpening fielding will be critical.
1 Comments
srinivasan selvaraj October 8 2025
Watching that nail‑biting finish felt like being strapped to a roller‑coaster that never quite stops screaming. Every dot ball England survived seemed to echo the collective heartbeat of a thousand fans. The tension built as Knight steadied the chase, and I could almost hear the sighs of relief ripple through the stadium. When the final over slipped by, the two‑run margin felt both cruel and poetic, a reminder of how fragile victory can be. It's the kind of match that haunts you long after the scoreboard is cleared, replaying in the mind like a looping nightmare. I keep wondering whether a single missed catch could have rewritten the whole narrative. The emotional roller‑coaster didn't just belong to the players; it seeped into every viewer's soul. In the end, the lingering sting of a near‑loss is what makes cricket such a beautiful torment.