England Spin Attack Secures 21-Run Victory Over Bangladesh in WT20WC Opener
England 118 for 7 (Wyatt-Hodge 41, Fahima 2-18) beat Bangladesh 97 for 7 (Mostary 44, Smith 2-11) by 21 runs.
England’s quartet of spinners dominated Bangladesh in a low-scoring encounter at Sharjah, kickstarting their T20 World Cup campaign with a solid win. Danni Wyatt-Hodge top-scored with 41 from 40 balls before England’s innings faltered. However, on a slow, turning pitch, Bangladesh struggled to gain momentum, despite Sobhana Mostary’s career-best 44.
Heather Knight, opting to bat first given the minimal impact of dew, relied heavily on her spin bowlers. Linsey Smith, making her return to the team after a six-year absence, partnered with Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, and Sarah Glenn to stifle Bangladesh’s chase. Smith delivered a crucial spell of 2 for 11, including a key run-out of Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana.
Despite impressive bowling from Fahima Khatun (2 for 18) and Ritu Moni, Bangladesh allowed England to get off to a strong start in the powerplay. Wyatt-Hodge and Maia Bouchier capitalized on early chances, with an opening partnership of 48 in 6.4 overs, creating a gap between the sides.
Bangladesh’s chase never gained momentum, with only Mostary and Nigar reaching double figures. Mostary provided some resistance but lacked support, as Bangladesh fell short despite needing 40 from the final four overs. While keeping Ecclestone wicketless for only the second time in 36 T20Is was a small achievement, the target proved too steep.
England’s innings saw its own struggles after the powerplay. On Sharjah’s slow pitch, their progress stalled as Bangladesh’s spinners applied pressure, reducing them to 76 for 4. Wyatt-Hodge and Nat Sciver-Brunt steadied the ship, but wickets continued to fall in regular intervals. Late contributions from Alice Capsey and Sophie Ecclestone, including a final-over six, helped England post 118.
In response, Bangladesh faltered early, managing just one boundary in the powerplay and losing two wickets to England’s spinners. Despite Mostary’s resistance, a lack of partnerships and a climbing required run rate left Bangladesh unable to mount a serious challenge, finishing at 97 for 7.
