Women’s World Cup 2025 : Marufa Akter traps Amy Jones with a perfect in-swinger in ENG-W vs BAN-W clash

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The Women’s World Cup 2025 continued to deliver thrilling moments as Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter produced a peach of a delivery to dismiss England’s Amy Jones in the group-stage encounter between England Women and Bangladesh Women. The match, played under bright conditions, saw Bangladesh looking to make early inroads after being bowled out for 178. Marufa didn’t take long to strike, giving her team a perfect start in defense of a modest total.

It was the last ball of the opening over of England’s innings when Marufa delivered a gem that left both fans and commentators in awe. Running in with her usual smooth rhythm, Marufa pitched the ball on a good length just outside off, drawing Jones forward into an attempted defensive stroke. However, the ball swung back sharply into the right-hander, catching her on the shuffle and striking her pad right in front of the stumps.

The Bangladesh players erupted in a loud LBW appeal, and the umpire wasted no time in giving Jones out. The England batter had a brief discussion with her partner but eventually decided against reviewing the decision. Replays confirmed the accuracy of the call, with ball-tracking showing the delivery clipping the leg stump. It was a near-unplayable inswinger—classic Marufa magic that showcased her ability to trouble even the most technically sound batters.

The wicket gave Bangladesh an early boost, reminiscent of Marufa’s knack for striking in her first spell. Her control, combined with late swing, made her an instant threat under the new ball. England, though, managed to steady their innings soon after the early setback.

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Earlier in the contest, Bangladesh had been asked to bat first and managed to post 178 before being bowled out in 49.4 overs. Sobhana Mostary was the standout performer, scoring a composed 60 off 108 deliveries, featuring eight crisp boundaries. Her innings provided much-needed stability after an early collapse.

Lower down the order, Rabeya Khan played a crucial cameo, smashing an unbeaten 43 off 27 balls to help Bangladesh reach a competitive total. Despite their efforts, England’s bowlers dominated proceedings.

Sophie Ecclestone once again proved her class, taking 3 for 24 in her full quota of 10 overs. Charlie Dean, Alice Capsey, and Linsey Smith each grabbed two wickets, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order and tail with disciplined bowling.

Also READ: Women’s World Cup 2025: Tazmin Brits’ record-breaking century topples Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning’s milestones

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.