England’s Knight checks Bangla quest

Heather Knight

Heather Knight’s unbeaten 79 led England to an unconvincing four-wicket win over Bangladesh to maintain their winning start to the Women’s World Cup in Guwahati.

Chasing just 179 to win on a tricky pitch, England slumped to 78-5 and 103-6 as their familiar woes against spin continued to surface.

But a patient, unbroken stand of 79 between Knight and Charlie Dean, who made 27, saw England reach their target in the 47th over.

Seamer Marufa Akter removed openers Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont early with swinging deliveries, before the turning point came in the 15th over when former captain Knight was given a reprieve on 13.

Knight played the ball to Shorna Akter at extra cover, but the third umpire deemed that the fielder had dragged the ball along the turf as she dived forward.

From there on, she was gritty and disciplined in her first innings back from a hamstring injury as England edged a nerve-wracking contest which would have been one of the tournament’s all-time upsets.

Scores:

Bangladesh 178 in 49.4 overs (Sobhana 60, Ecclestone 3-24)
England 182-6 in 46.1 overs (Heather Knight 79 not out, Fahima 3-16)