Women’s ODI World Cup | Upbeat Bangladesh faces a stern test against England

England will face Bangladesh for only the second time in ODIs when the two sides meet in the Women’s World Cup at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

The first time the teams played each other in the format was in the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand. With a 100-run win, England had booked its place in the semifinals of that edition.

While a lack of history between the teams means no possibility of drawing inferences, a look into their wins in the ongoing tournament points to victories earned in similar fashion.

Both matches were low-scoring affairs as England and Bangladesh bundled out their opponents for paltry totals before chasing them down without much hassle.

In England’s 10-wicket demolition job of South Africa — set up by the spin trio of Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean, and Sophie Ecclestone — openers Tamsin Beaumont and Amy Jones chased down 70 runs in 14.1 overs.

For Bangladesh, too, the Akter trio of Marufa, Shorna, and Nahida bowled miserly spells to restrict Pakistan to 129, which was chased down in 31.1 overs, thanks to Rubya Haider’s maiden ODI fifty.

England’s middle-order is yet to get a hit in the centre, but the presence of skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley, who starred in that 2022 match, only reinforces the side’s batting strength.

For the Tigresses, the lack of batting depth already puts them on the back foot against the four-time champion. Past the top five, which includes captain Nigar Sultana Joty, there’s no player who can threaten with the willow.

Having already played in the spin-friendly Barsapara conditions once, the advantage will be with England even before the first ball.