Marufa and Fahima put the chase in jeopardy before Knight gritted through with Capsey and Dean

Valkerie Baynes07-Oct-2025

Charlie Dean and Heather Knight’s 79-run partnership was the biggest of the match•Getty Images

England 182 for 6 (Knight 79*, Fahima 3-16, Marufa 2-28) beat Bangladesh 178 (Mostary 60, Rabeya 43*, Ecclestone 3-24) by four wicketsA gritty comeback by Heather Knight pulled England out of danger and into top spot on the World Cup table with a battling four-wicket win against Bangladesh that was in sharp contrast to their ten-wicket romp over South Africa to open the tournament.Nigar Sultana, the Bangladesh captain, had implored her side to show what they’re capable of “so that teams like England and Australia show interest in playing against us”, and they did that in only the second ODI between the sides.Two early wickets to Marufa Akter, followed by 3 for 2 in the space of 12 legitimate deliveries from Fahima Khatun had England 78 for 5 in pursuit of what had looked like a modest target after England’s spin department restricted Bangladesh to 178 all out with two balls remaining.Related

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Sobhana Mostary’s maiden international half-century and a quickfire 43 not out off just 27 balls by Rabeya Khan had allowed Bangladesh to post a competitive total despite only two other batters reaching double figures.But Knight, playing her first international innings since tearing her hamstring from the bone during a T20I against West Indies in May, gritted her teeth, ground out the runs and rode her luck – overturning dismissals on 0, 8 and 13 – to lead England home. Her unbroken stand for the seventh wicket with Charlie Dean, worth 79 in 100 balls, sealed the result with 23 balls to spare.Marufa broke the game open with a stunning five-over opening spell in which she had England two wickets down – it could have been three – with just 29 runs on the board inside the first seven overs.DRS saved Heather Knight twice against Marufa Akter in the first seven overs•ICC/Getty ImagesIn an eventful start to the run chase, England lost opener Amy Jones lbw to Marufa at the end of the first over and, two balls later, saw Marufa drop a sitter at cover off Tammy Beaumont, on 2 at the time, off the bowling of Nahida Akter.There was more drama as Marufa sought to make amends with the first ball of her next over and thought she had Knight caught behind but Knight survived on review with TV umpire Gayathri Venugopalan initially saying there was inconclusive evidence that the bat made contact with the ball while another angle gave the hint of a gap.Marufa ultimately covered for her fielding error when she pinned Beaumont on the front pad, although it took a Bangladesh review this time to secure the dismissal with the batter on 13. Four balls later, Knight denied Marufa again when she overturned an lbw decision as replays showed that the ball going would be going over.With Knight looking far from fluent, Nat Sciver-Brunt, her successor as England captain, helped herself to three fours off Marufa’s next over.Knight continued to lead a charmed life, scratching her way to 13 off 38 balls when she spooned Fahima to Shorna Akter at cover and walked off, only to be recalled as TV umpire said there was “inconclusive” evidence that the fielder had her fingers under the ball.Marufa left the field with what appeared to be a calf problem and didn’t return, leaving Nigar without a seam option.Fahima Khatun’s loopy full toss got Nat-Sciver Brunt•ICC/Getty ImagesBangladesh stuck to their task and were rewarded when Fahima removed Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley in the space of four deliveries, the former chipping to midwicket and the latter trapped lbw as Clarie Polosak’s on-field decision was upheld in the face of England’s review.Emma Lamb managed just 1 off 12 deliveries before picking out Nahida Akter at mid-on, although Fahima and Bangladesh had to wait anxiously for confirmation of her third wicket as the TV umpire again checked the catch, which was eventually deemed clean.Sanjida Akter Meghla, the left-arm spinner brought to combat an England batting line-up stacked with right-handers, struck just as Alice Capsey threatened to dig them out of trouble, rapping the back leg in line with the top of leg stump. Capsey was so half-hearted in her call for the now-overworked DRS that her signal was deemed too late and it was just as well for England with replays showing that the ball was on target.Knight’s most productive shot in a laboured innings had been the sweep and she swept Shorna for four to move into the 30s before shimmying down the pitch and clubbing Meghla down the ground for four more.From that point, Knight looked settled, reaching her 50 in 86 deliveries, having been 15 off 50. She and Dean settled into a rhythm, Dean striking the winning runs with four off Mostary to finish 27 not out.Sobhana Mostary brought up her maiden ODI fifty•AFP/Getty ImagesCollectively, England’s spinners kept a lid on the Bangladesh line-up, despite the best efforts of Nigar, who was extremely vocal from the dugout long after she was caught by Dean off the bowling of Linsey Smith for a second-ball duck.She had good reason to shout. By the 30-over mark, her side had faced 136 dot balls and they went 61 deliveries without a boundary before Mostary struck back-to-back fours off Sciver-Brunt in the 31st, punching through the covers and prodding through third.Sophie Ecclestone finished with three wickets while fellow left-arm spinner Smith, who had been England’s chief destroyer against South Africa, finished with 2 for 33.Offspinners Dean and Capsey bowled with good economy also to secure two wickets apiece, the latter accounting for Mostary for a 108-ball 60 in a double-wicket strike in the 47th over.That was after Mostary had become only the third Bangladesh player to score a Women’s World Cup half-century.It took an England review to remove Mostary after Capsey got one to spin back from just outside off and hit the pad high in line with middle stump as the batter sat back in her crease.Rabeya hit the first six of the match, off Smith in the final over, clearing the towering Bell just inside the boundary at long-on and followed up immediately with four through fine leg. But, having taken a single, Sanjida then chipped the next ball straight to Sciver-Brunt as Bangladesh narrowly failed to bat out their 50 overs.

Having endured two difficult IPL seasons after rushing back into action following back surgery, the legspinner took two months off and has returned rejuvenated

Nagraj Gollapudi09-Aug-20254:23

Rashid: ‘Made a mistake’ by rushing back after back surgery

Afghanistan’s bowling allrounder Rashid Khan says he committed a “mistake” by rushing back to play cricket just a few months after a back surgery that immediately followed the 2023 World Cup. The long-term impact, Rashid said, told on him during his last two IPL seasons for Gujarat Titans (GT), especially in 2025, his worst IPL ever.Rashid conceded 33 sixes, the most by a bowler in a single IPL season, as batters both capped and uncapped dominated him. Post-surgery, Rashid’s speed, the backbone of his bowling, depleted considerably, in addition to a loss of accuracy. However, after a two-month post-IPL break, Rashid has returned rejuvenated, and showed that on Tuesday in the opening contest of the Hundred 2025, with a match-wining 3 for 11 in defending champions Oval Invincibles’ victory over London Spirit at Lord’s.In a chat with ESPNcricinfo organised by Red Bull, which unveiled the Afghanistan great as an ambassador on Saturday, Rashid said he had failed to grasp the advice the doctors had given him after his surgery.Related

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“After IPL, I needed the kind of break where my body gets back to normal,” Rashid said. “I worked a little bit on my strength. And especially coming back from back surgery, I hadn’t had much time to rehab properly. That’s where I did a bit of mistake to restart my cricket so quickly at that time. And I feel like I didn’t let myself properly recover, and I pushed it a little bit at that time, and I can see the disadvantage of that now. But after IPL [2025], I felt like I needed that kind of two months off where I can just focus on my fitness.”And when I came yesterday [on Tuesday], I felt so good, in a good rhythm, and the ball was coming nicely out of my hand, and [my] body was allowing me to go through. So these things matter a lot – sometimes you don’t think about that a lot; you just try your best to push yourself. But I feel to be out of the game for some time and focus on my fitness – and also [focus] mentally and physically – that really played a huge role.”On a sluggish Lord’s surface, Rashid bowled between 94 and 98kph, speeds he feels more comfortable with, and in control. The absence of zip in his deliveries, Rashid felt, was a key reason behind his failing to dictate terms in the last two IPL seasons.”On Tuesday, I was bowling at 94-98 kph – that’s my pace, [and the] speeds I am known to bowl at. I feel I was missing that before because my body was not allowing me to go through [my action] with that full energy. Last night, [against Spirit], when I came to bowl, I was getting that good feeling, and I was touching that speed with which I could put the batsman in trouble, and also not allow him much time to read from the surface.”Rashid conceded 33 sixes in IPL 2025•BCCIBarely a few months after the back surgery, despite medical experts warning him to pay careful attention to his rehab, Rashid resumed playing, though mostly T20 cricket. He started with the series against Ireland in March 2024, followed by the IPL and the T20 World Cup, where he led Afghanistan into the semi-finals. Soon after, back and hamstring niggles surfaced, forcing Rashid to skip the BBL and PSL. In early January 2025, Rashid played the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, and finished as the Player of the Match, bowling 55 overs (27.3 in each innings) and picking up 11 wickets to enter the record books. But the toll exacted by those marathon spells was evident during the Champions Trophy, and then IPL 2025.”When I came back to cricket after surgery, I was told not to rush back in the longer formats [Tests and ODIs] that quickly as that was not going to help me,” Rashid said. “About eight to nine months after I had started to play post surgery, I bowled 65 [55] overs in the Bulawayo Test. That really pushed my back a little bit, and I felt it at that time. I shouldn’t have been in whites [to play Tests].”In T20s, it’s fine – you can manage yourself – but for the longer formats, I was advised that you should be away from that format for some time. That is the kind of mistake I have made. But the team needed that. At that time, we had lost a few games in Test cricket, but that’s something where I rushed myself a little bit, and I didn’t give myself time and I felt it later on. Yes, I think I have done a mistake where my body was not allowing me that and I’m facing a problem. The thing is the stiffness in your back doesn’t allow you to go with full rhythm.”From the time he entered the IPL in 2017, Rashid maintained an economy rate of just over six runs an over until 2022. But since 2023, batters, especially right-handers, have played him with a lot more freedom. In 2022, Rashid’s economy rate against right-hand batters was 5.95. Over the next three seasons, it increased to 8.57 (2023), 8.84 (2024) and 9.69 (2025). If a few seasons ago his balls-per-six ratio in the IPL was 43, by 2025, it had plunged to 10. Rashid is aware of the numbers, but not overly concerned.”Before, when I was bowling 24 balls [over an innings], I was missing pitching [them] on length [for] like four or five balls. But then the number went [up] to eight or nine balls. And in those eight to nine [balls], they are scoring those extra couple of sixes and couple of big boundaries. I just needed to decrease that. Nothing else. It’s not like of the 24 balls, I was bowling every ball badly, [or] I was bowling wides and full tosses. [I knew] it’s going to be fine.”The realisation that his body was not allowing him to go with what he calls “the full flow” forced Rashid to have a chat with his coaches, who felt that he needed to take time off. Rashid duly pulled out of the MLC, where he plays for MI New York. During the break, he did a lot of strength training, especially in his lower back, and spot bowling two or three times a week, along with a bit of batting. But the focus was more on gym work. Outside of that, Rashid, who got married last October, spent a relaxed time with his family, which he says has now left him refreshed.”After IPL finished, for three weeks, I didn’t touch the ball. I spent most of my time with my family, [and] my nephews – going around with them, [and] had fun – just to take all those memories and stuff and bad days out of my mind, and then restart with the cricket. That’s what I did just to be refreshed, and then got back on track and got back bowling in the right spot.”At the SA20 this year, Rashid overtook Dwayne Bravo to become the highest wicket-taker in all T20s•SA20The break seems to have had a positive impact on Rashid. Before coming to the Hundred, he played four matches in the Shpageeza Cricket League, Afghanistan’s domestic T20 tournament, where he led Speen Ghar Tigers, and picked up 4 for 19, including three wickets in his final over, in their last match. Having made a strong start to the Hundred, Rashid will now hope to carry forward the momentum as Invincibles look for a three-peat, having won the title in the last two seasons.This February, while playing in the SA20, Rashid, who plays for MI Cape Town, overtook Dwayne Bravo to become the highest wicket-taker in all T20s. He recently became the first bowler to cross the 650-wicket mark, and is three wickets behind the retired Tim Southee on the all-time leading-wicket-takers chart in T20Is. Rashid was also ranked No. 1 among ESPNcricinfo’s 25 Greatest T20 players. He chuckled when asked whether he had read that story, and said he had, and that it made him just as proud as being chosen as the ICC’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade (2011-20) despite playing just four years of international cricket in that period.”People don’t just give it to you. It means like you have done something special, [and] you have done something unbelievable – and at different stages, in different countries. And that’s how you get that kind of appreciation. So it gives me so much energy, [and] it gives me so much positivity, and that for me is more important. And it does allow you to work harder, and to be number one again.”Rashid is the latest player to join Red Bull which also has on its roster Ben Stokes, KL Rahul, Kagiso Rabada and Riyan Parag. Rashid said it was a “huge and proud moment” to be the first Afghanistan player on the list and is “excited” to visit the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre in Salzburg later this year.

The final international break of the year has finally come to an end, and Chelsea are back in Premier League action.

Enzo Maresca’s side resume their campaign with a trip to newly promoted Burnley, in what could be something of a banana skin fixture.

What will make things even more difficult for the West Londoners is their ever-growing injury list, which has decimated their backline.

However, arguably more concerning than that, Cole Palmer has picked up another knock, although there is someone in the squad who could stand in for him, and no, it’s not Estevao.

The latest on Cole Palmer

After an impressive Club World Cup campaign and strong pre-season performances, it felt like Palmer was set for another exceptional year in West London.

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However, after playing the first game against Crystal Palace, he missed the next two due to a groin problem, and while he returned for the following couple of matches, he was again forced off against Manchester United with another groin problem.

The Englishman hasn’t featured for the side since then, although it did look like he would be back in the squad after the international break.

However, it would appear Maresca and Co can’t catch a break this season, as reports yesterday morning revealed that the former Manchester City prospect had broken his toe in an accident at home.

In his press conference a few hours later, the manager confirmed the injury and said his star player “is not available for this week and next week.”

That means that, on top of today’s game, the 23-year-old is definitely going to miss the Champions League clash with Barcelona and the London derby with Arsenal.

It’s undoubtedly a massive blow for Chelsea, but the silver lining is that, alongside Estevao, they have another young talent who could step in for Palmer.

Chelsea's Palmer replacement

While Estevao should start on the right for the upcoming games, Maresca could get some of what Palmer would provide in the ten by starting Facundo Buonanotte there.

Now, before the pitchforks and torches come out, nobody is arguing that the Argentine is as good a player as the Englishman; that would be absurd.

However, he is a highly talented young player who, based on his performances last season and what those in the know say about him, could replicate the 23-year-old’s capabilities.

For example, despite playing for a truly poor Leicester City side last season and being just 19 at the start of it, he was able to put in some impressive performances.

In 35 appearances, totalling 1701 minutes, the attacking midfielder, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “one of the most exciting South American talents to have moved to Europe in recent years,” scored six goals and provided three assists.

Appearances

31

2

2

Goals

5

1

0

Assists

2

1

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.22

1.00

0.00

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.88 games, or every 189 minutes, which is not a bad rate of return considering the circumstances.

Moreover, the promising ace with a “left foot made of gold,” per Jacek Kulig, has also earned comparisons to some Argentine football legends.

For example, Premier League great Carlos Tevez told the press that the youngster “reminds me of Messi” a few years ago.

Finally, away from the numbers and appraisals, when the twice-capped international was in full flow last season, he looked like the sort of mercurial talent who, with the proper coaching and chance, could create game-winning moments for his side.

Ultimately, while he isn’t on the level of Palmer at the moment, Buonanotte is an undeniably talented youngster, and for the next few games, could provide cover for the Englishman.

Forget Delap: 18-year-old star is destined to be Chelsea's future number 9

The incredible youngster will be a superstar for England and Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 21, 2025

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he was "upset" after his side failed to score from a set piece in their 4-1 north London derby win against Tottenham on Sunday. The Gunners dominated their arch rivals at the Emirates, scoring all four of their goals from open play, something the Premier League leaders have been criticised for failing to do so far this season.

Arsenal flex attacking credentials against Spurs

The absence of Gabriel brought elements of doubt into how Arsenal might perform against Tottenham at the weekend, particularly considering their reliance on set pieces this season. 12 of their goals in 2025-26 have come from either corners, free-kicks, throw-ins or penalties, but not when the lights were brightest. When Spurs made the short trip across north London, the Gunners were free-flowing and ruthless in front of goal. Eberechi Eze's hat-trick stole the headlines, and even Leandro Trossard's opener did not require a dead-ball situation. 

Their performance proved that while Gabriel is an impressive tool to have in their goal catalogue, Arteta's men are more than capable of putting the ball in the back of the net in any way they choose. That did not stop the Spanish head coach from having a light-hearted joke with the media ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportArteta: I am upset

Most managers would claim they were concerned if their primary method of scoring goals was from set pieces, but not Arteta. Pep Guardiola's disciple is clearly keen for his side to continue dominating the final third in the air, and even admitted his frustrations after failing to bag from a corner or free kick. Speaking in his press conference, he said: "I am upset we didn’t score with a set piece. I want to score with a set piece as well."

Guardiola's disciples go head-to-head

While Arsenal fans will still be bathing in the glory of winning the derby, Arteta's focus has already shifted to Bayern Munich's visit in the Champions League. The Bavarians join the Gunners as the best teams in the competition so far this season, each winning their four games. Vincent Kompany's return to England is a special occasion for the Arsenal boss, who coached him during his time at City with Guardiola.

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Getty Images SportGunners ready for ruthless schedule

Things do not get any easier for Arsenal as the days pass. After facing Bayern, they face Chelsea in a crucial clash at the top of the Premier League. The Blues sit second, behind their London rivals, and a win could take them within three points of top spot. That match at Stamford Bridge will end the Gunners' run of three games in six days. 

It is certainly not an ideal situation for the league leaders, but once again, Arteta had no complaints. He said: "We will try and beat Bayern and then we have Chelsea – that is how ruthless the schedule is. But at the same time, how privileged we are to be involved in three incredible games in six days.

"Every opponent brings different challenges. They are in a great moment. The level of consistency they have shown in results and performances is impressive. We know that, but it is a massive opportunity for us to show what we are capable of.

"We have the same intention to win it. We made sure we had very good preparation again. We know the importance of the match. We are in a really strong position, we want to maintain that for sure."

Wazir Mohammad, the eldest of Pakistan’s famous Mohammad brothers, has died. He was 95 years old.Wazir played 20 Tests for Pakistan in the earliest years of their international cricket history, the least of Hanif, Mushtaq and Sadiq. Raees, now the eldest of the brothers, didn’t play a Test for Pakistan. Hanif passed away in 2016.As a lower-middle order batter, Wazir’s average of 27.62 does little justice to his impact in some of Pakistan’s most celebrated performances in the 1950s, when they arrived as a Test-playing nation in such style. His career first-class average of 40 was much more reflective of his value, though Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Wazir’s Test captain, was long an admirer.The most seminal contribution came in the Oval Test win of 1954, when Pakistan became the first side to win a Test on their first tour of England (and drew the series 1-1). Though Fazal Mahmood was the hero with 12 wickets, he would not have had a total to defend had it not been for Wazir’s resistance in the second innings.Pakistan were only 85 runs ahead, with two wickets in hand, when Wazir (in at No. 8) put on 58 with Zulfiqar Ahmed and then another 24 for the last wicket with Mahmood Hussain. Wazir ended unbeaten on a four-hour 42, having doubled Pakistan’s score with the last two wickets. Pakistan won ultimately by 24 runs.