At the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in Indore, Fahima Khatun produced a spell of spin bowling brilliance that almost derailed England’s campaign. Her 3 for 16 in 10 overs, a masterclass in control and precision, ripped through England’s top order and left them wobbling in pursuit of a modest 179-run target. Though England eventually survived to secure a four-wicket victory, it was Fahima Khatun’s performance that stole the spotlight a display that reaffirmed Bangladesh’s growing presence on the world stage.
Bangladesh’s Spirited Batting Display
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh posted 178 all out in 49.4 overs, a total built on grit rather than flamboyance. Sobhana Mostary anchored the innings with a composed 60 off 108 balls, mixing solid defense with timely aggression. Her partnership with Fargana Hoque (24) provided stability after an early collapse.
But it was Rabeya Khan’s unbeaten 43 off just 27 deliveries that added late momentum, guiding Bangladesh from a vulnerable 130 for 7 to a competitive total. Her flurry of boundaries in the death overs forced England to rethink their tactics, as she punished loose deliveries with precision. Extras too played a role England’s bowlers conceded 19 wides, allowing Bangladesh to edge closer to 180.
Though the total looked modest on paper, Bangladesh knew their spinners could turn it into a battle if they bowled with discipline and that’s exactly what Fahima Khatun delivered.
Fahima Khatun Spins a Web
When England began their chase, things seemed routine. Openers Emma Lamb and Tammy Beaumont started steadily, adding 31 before Beaumont was dismissed. Soon after, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight steadied the innings, pushing England to a comfortable 69 for 2.
Then came Fahima Khatun — and the script flipped entirely. Introduced in the 14th over, she immediately found turn and control. Her variations in flight and pace created doubt in the batters’ minds. In her very first over, she drew Sciver-Brunt forward into a false drive that was smartly caught at mid-off for 32. Two balls later, she trapped Sophia Dunkley plumb in front for a duck two wickets in three deliveries that sent shockwaves through England’s dugout.
Fahima wasn’t done. In her next spell, she outfoxed Emma Lamb, who attempted a slog sweep only to mistime it into the waiting hands of deep midwicket. From 69 for 2, England had slumped to 69 for 5, and Bangladesh suddenly sensed a historic upset on the cards.
Her final figures 10 overs, 2 maidens, 16 runs, and 3 wickets were among the finest ever by a Bangladeshi spinner in World Cup history. Fahima Khatun’s control of line and length choked England’s scoring rate; between overs 15 and 30, England managed just 32 runs. The crowd roared with every dot ball as Bangladesh’s spinners applied relentless pressure.
Knight to the Rescue
However, England’s captain Heather Knight held firm amid the chaos. Showing her trademark composure, Knight built her innings from scratch, turning a shaky 69 for 5 into a rescue act of substance. Her unbeaten 79 off 111 deliveries, peppered with 7 fours, was a masterclass in game awareness and calm execution.
She found an ally in Charlie Dean, whose patient 27 not out off 56 balls provided the stability England desperately needed. Together, they forged an unbroken 79-run partnership that carried England home in 46.1 overs. Their partnership blunted the spin threat and ensured the match didn’t slip from England’s grasp.
Bangladesh’s Pride in Defeat
Despite falling short, Bangladesh walked off with their heads held high. Fahima’s spell epitomized their fearless approach and ability to challenge stronger sides on the global stage. She was supported ably by Nahida Akter (1 for 32) and Rabeya Khan (1 for 36), both of whom contributed to keeping England under constant pressure.
This performance reaffirmed Bangladesh’s evolution no longer underdogs, but genuine competitors capable of rattling top-tier teams. Fahima’s spell was not just about wickets; it symbolized control, belief, and tactical maturity.
In a contest dominated by grit rather than glamour, Fahima Khatun’s rippling spell of 3 for 16 stood out as one of the most memorable bowling performances of the tournament. She single-handedly dismantled England’s middle order and forced their captain to script a rescue act.
While Heather Knight’s unbeaten 79 sealed the win for England, it was Fahima’s artistry that defined the match — a reminder that in cricket, brilliance can come from anywhere, and on any given day, even giants can tremble before precision spin.
Also Read: ICC Women’s ODI WC 2025: Fahima Khatun Flabbergasts England