Bangladesh’s women may have set a modest total, but they are making England sweat for every run in their Women’s World Cup encounter in Guwahati. Defending just 178, the Tigresses have England reeling at 69 for 4 in the 19th over when last reports came in.
As ever, pace prodigy Marufa Akter made the early breakthrough, trapping Amy Jones lbw for 1 in the first over. She struck again soon after, removing opener Tammy Beaumont (13) in identical fashion to leave England wobbling at 29 for 2.
A brief partnership of 40 runs between Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt steadied England, but leg-spinner Fahima Khatun broke through in the 19th over. Sciver-Brunt departed for a brisk 32 off 41 balls, caught by Fargana Hoque, before Sophia Dunkley fell lbw for a duck in the same over. England suddenly found themselves back under pressure at 69 for 4.
Earlier, Bangladesh battled hard against England’s formidable attack, who had dismissed South Africa for just 69 in their previous match. Despite early setbacks, Sobhana Mostary anchored the innings with a gritty 60 from 108 balls, striking eight boundaries. She found late support from Rabeya Khan, whose counterattacking 43 off 27 balls, laced with six fours and a six, lifted Bangladesh to 178 all out in 49.4 overs.
Openers Sharmin Akter (30) and Sobhana had earlier tried to rebuild after the early dismissal of Rubaiya Haider (4) and captain Nigar Sultana, who fell for a duck. But wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals as England’s bowlers maintained tight control.
Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone once again led from the front for England, claiming 3 for 24.
While the total looked below par, Bangladesh’s spirited bowling has turned the match into a tense contest. With England’s middle order already dented, the game is delicately poised — and the Tigresses can dare to dream of an upset.