Umpiring and Heather Knight rescue England from a resolute Bangladesh effort

England escaped with a four-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Guwahati, but the four-time champions were made to work hard for every run in a match that remained on a knife-edge until the final overs. After restricting Bangladesh to 178, England's chase descended into chaos before captain Heather Knight's unbeaten 79 guided them home with just 23 balls to spare. Bangladesh, buoyed by their first-round triumph over Pakistan, came agonizingly close to pulling off a massive upset against one of the tournament's favorites, with performances throughout their lineup that refused to let England settle.

England elected to bowl first, and their decision looked vindicated when Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith struck early blows to reduce Bangladesh to 25 for 2. Sharmin Akhter and Sobhana Mostary briefly stabilized the innings with a partnership that took Bangladesh to 59, but wickets continued to tumble. Sharmin Akhter contributed a steady 30 before departing, but when Shorna Akhter fell for just 10, Bangladesh was in trouble at 85 for 4 in the 23rd over.

But amidst the mounting pressure, Mostary was a picture of poise. She produced the innings of her life—a maiden ODI fifty that held Bangladesh together through the middle overs. Her 108-ball 60, studded with eight boundaries, showcased patience and determination as she anchored the innings amid the fall of partners. Ritu Moni offered some support before falling in the 34th over, leaving Bangladesh at 108 for 5 and facing the prospect of a below-par total.

But Bangladesh found an unlikely savior in Rabeya Khan, whose explosive 43 not out from just 27 balls transformed the complexion of the innings. Rabeya's aggressive cameo in the death overs, featuring clean hitting and clever placement, lifted Bangladesh past 150 and eventually to 178—a total that suddenly looked competitive on a tricky Guwahati surface.

For England, Sophie Ecclestone was the standout bowler with three wickets, using her variations and control to stifle Bangladesh's progress through the middle overs. Charlie Dean chipped in effectively as the spinners did most of the damage, while Bell and Smith had set the tone with their early strikes.

Chasing what appeared to be a modest target, England found themselves in deep trouble as Bangladesh's bowlers exploited the conditions brilliantly. The England batting order crumbled to 78 for 5, then 103 for 6, with wickets falling at regular intervals and the run rate slowing to a crawl. Fahima Khatun was exceptional with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 14 runs in eight overs, her tight line and clever variations dismantling England's top and middle order. Sanjida Akter Meghla added another wicket to keep the pressure mounting, and suddenly Bangladesh sensed a historic victory.

But DRS turned into an unlikely saviour for England. An rightfully overturned LBW decision early on in the innings kept Heather Knight in the middle. At 64-2 in the 15th over, the third umpire adjudicated a well taken catch at extra cover to be grounded when the electronic evidence was far from conclusive to offer the English a decisive reprieve.

Knight went on to play one of the grittiest innings of her illustrious career, weathering the storm with unwavering concentration. Her unbeaten 79, scored off 111 balls, with eight fours and a six, was a masterclass under pressure. Knight was unflappable as she refused to panic despite wickets tumbling around her. She found a vital partner in Alice Capsey, who contributed a composed 20 from 34 balls to help rebuild the innings.

Charlie Dean provided crucial support at the death to see England over the line. Knight's ability to rotate the strike, find boundaries at crucial moments, and keep her composure when the target seemed distant at times ultimately proved the difference between victory and defeat. Bangladesh left the field with their heads held high, having pushed England to the brink and showcased that they belong among the world's best.

Heather Knight - Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images