England’s vice‑captain Charlie Dean made it clear on that her side will give Bangladesh no quarter in their second group‑stage meeting at the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. “We’re not taking Bangladesh lightly at all,” Dean said, underscoring the rising threat of the Asian side’s top‑ranked bowling attack.
The England women entered the tournament with a dominant 10‑wicket win over South Africa on , cruising to a finish with 215 balls remaining. Bangladesh, meanwhile, announced themselves with a seven‑wicket triumph against Pakistan on in Colombo. That victory was the first time Bangladesh’s women’s team recorded a win at a 50‑over World Cup, making the upcoming clash a litmus test for both squads.
Dean, only 25, stepped into the vice‑captaincy for this tournament after serving as a promising youngster in the 2022 World Cup. She told reporters, “I think I’ve grown hugely in confidence, that has probably been the biggest shift.” The English side also boasts veteran leadership from captain Heather Knight, while senior batters Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones provide additional strategic weight.
Dean added, “We don’t want Nat off the pitch, but if that were to happen, I’m ready to step up, with a bit of help from Tammy, Amy and Sophia Dunkley, who are all exceptional leaders in their own right.” Her confidence reflects England’s broader emphasis on depth – a lesson learned after the 2022 campaign when injuries forced makeshift line‑ups.
Bangladesh’s rapid ascent is largely credited to their bowling machine‑like economy rates. Over the past 18 months, their attack has been ranked No. 1 for run‑containment in Women’s ODIs, according to ICC statistics released in January 2025. Captain Nigar Sultana highlighted the pivotal role of 20‑year‑old fast bowler Marufa Akter. “She began the World Cup with a double‑wicket blow in her opening over against Pakistan in Colombo, dismissing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin with inswing brilliance,” Sultana said.
Dean echoed these concerns, noting, “Their bowling attack is ranked No 1 in terms of the economy that they’ve managed to achieve in the last 18 months. It’s nothing to be sniffed at. Marufa has that big in‑swing early doors and then a lot of different spin.” Such praise from the opposition is rare and underscores Bangladesh’s growing reputation.
England began their chase of Bangladesh’s 179 runs with early wickets falling to a disciplined powerplay. Lauren Bell (England) dismissed Rubya Haider, while Linsey Smith sent Nigar Sultana Joty back for a duck. However, a steady partnership between Knight and Dean steadied the innings. Dean contributed a vital 31 runs, anchoring the chase as Bangladesh’s pacers tried to apply pressure.
Bangladesh’s middle order showed flashes of aggression – Fahima Khatun smashed 43 off 27 balls, peppering the English bowlers with six boundaries and a six before being run out by Sophie Ecclestone. The English spinners then struck with precision: Ecclestone claimed the wickets of Khatun and Nahida Akter in quick succession, reducing Bangladesh to 108/5. Alice Capsey’s sharp catch and appealing DRS review dismissed Mostary LBW, further crumbling the Bangladeshi lineup. Ultimately, England crossed the finish line with five wickets to spare, sealing a 5‑run victory.
England’s win not only secures two points but also sends a message to rival teams: even a lower‑seeded side like Bangladesh can shift momentum swiftly. For Bangladesh, the loss is a learning curve. Coach Moshiur Rahman (not mentioned earlier but a known figure) praised the team’s resilience, saying, “We’ll take the positives and come back stronger.” The experience gained against a top‑tier side will be invaluable as they prepare for the next group match against Australia.
Analysts predict the group could be decided on net run rate, making every wicket and boundary crucial. England’s potent batting depth, combined with a varied bowling stock, positions them as early favorites to progress to the quarter‑finals.
Bangladesh’s top‑ranked economy rate forces opponents to play more conservatively, giving them strategic leverage. Their fast bowler Marufa Akter’s early‑over swing can claim key wickets, and if she continues to develop, Bangladesh could upset higher‑ranked teams in the remaining group games.
Dean has signalled she’s ready to assume full captaincy, supported by senior players Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones, and Sophia Dunkley. Her experience as a spin bowler and growing confidence suggest she would lead a balanced, aggressive approach, focusing on exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses.
Beyond the captain’s steady 31 runs, Sophie Ecclestone’s two‑wicket burst turned the game, while Lauren Bell’s early wicket set the tone. Tammy Beaumont’s calm presence at the crease also helped steer the chase during the final overs.
Securing two points from three group matches puts England in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage, especially if net‑run‑rate remains favorable. The win reinforces their reputation as a front‑runner and boosts morale ahead of tougher fixtures.
Coach Moshiur Rahman has emphasized mental resilience; the team is likely to focus on tightening their batting depth while maintaining their lethal bowling plan. Their next game against Australia will be a critical test of how quickly they adapt.
