Guwahati, Oct 7 (PTI) - England's spinners, led by the cunning Sophie Ecclestone, showcased a stellar bowling performance in the Women's World Cup by dismissing Bangladesh for 178 on Tuesday. Ecclestone delivered impressive figures of 3/24, playing a pivotal role in putting England in the driver’s seat.
For Bangladesh, Sobhana Mostary fought hard with a patient 60 off 108 balls, while Rabeya Khan provided a late surge with a flamboyant 43 from just 27 deliveries at number nine. Her innings offered a template for the top-order batswomen after England decided to field first.
Alongside Ecclestone, off-spinners Charlotte Dean and Alice Capsey were also instrumental, chipping in with two wickets each, with figures of 2/28 in 10 overs and 2/31 in 8 overs, respectively.
Bangladesh, who entered the match with momentum from a previous victory over Pakistan, started positively as Sharmin Akhter extracted 14 runs from a Lauren Bell over. However, left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, handling the new ball, tightened her grip on the Bangladesh openers, including Rubya Haider.
Smith's tight bowling was complemented by Bell, who achieved a crucial breakthrough in her third over. Rubya Haider’s attempted lofted shot was well caught by a retreating Sophia Dunkley, marking the beginning of Bangladesh's struggles.
Despite being hit for three boundaries by Sharmin Akhter, England's captain, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, showed faith in Bell, which ultimately paid off. Sharmin scored 30 off 53 balls before departing.
Skipper Nigar Sultana showed indecisiveness, playing a half-hearted aerial drive off Smith, resulting in a catch to Charlie Dean at short cover. Without scoring, Sultana's dismissal put Bangladesh under pressure, losing two wickets in the space of five balls at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
As a tribute to the late singer and Assam's beloved cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, the famous 'Ya Ali' song was played intermittently at the venue.
Sobhana Mostary and Akhter temporarily steadied the innings, adding 34 runs and showcasing some elegant strokes. However, Akhter’s resistance ended in the 16th over, caught behind off a classic left-arm spin delivery from Ecclestone.
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