Bangladesh go down fighting against England

Pacer Marufa Akter's early burst and Rabeya Khan's late cameo were not enough for Bangladesh as they suffered a four-wicket defeat against four-time champions England in Guwahati on Tuesday in their second fixture of the ICC Women's World Cup.

The Tigresses, buoyed by a win over Pakistan in their opening match, kept England on a tight leash for much of the innings. 

Sobhana Mostary's patient 60 off 108 balls and Rabeya Khan's explosive 43 off 27 balls down the order helped Bangladesh post a competitive total of 178 runs.

Marufa Akter took early control with the new ball, dismissing Amy Jones in the first over and trapping Tammy Beaumont LBW in the seventh. 

Bangladesh spinners, led by leg-spinner Fahima Khatun, then struck to break a 40-run partnership between the experienced Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight. Fahima claimed three consecutive wickets to leave England struggling at 78 for five, while Sanjida Islam (Maghla) restricted Alice Capsey to just 20 runs.

However, Knight and Charlie Dean steadied the innings with a crucial unbeaten 79-run seventh wicket partnership, frustrating the Tigresses' chase for memorable victory.

England eventually reached the target in 46.1 overs with four wickets in hand, with Knight remaining unbeaten on 79 off 111 balls and Dean contributing 27 off 56 balls.