Opening their 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup campaign with a crushing 10-wicket victory over South Africa in Guwahati on Friday, England will look to turn Barsapara Cricket Stadium into a happy hunting ground when they face Bangladesh in their second group league match at the same venue on Tuesday.Bowling first, it was a superb spin display by the English women, led by left-arm spinner Lisney Smith, that helped them skittle the Proteas for a paltry 69 before reaching the target in the 15th over. Staying back at the venue since then, the traditional powerhouse of women’s cricket already has a good understanding of the conditions. Against Bangladesh, they will aim to exploit this familiarity with the Barsapara track to register back-to-back wins.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will look to build on the confidence gained from beating Pakistan by seven wickets in their opening game in Colombo on Thursday. They also had a powerful all-round bowling display to dismantle the Pakistan batters for a below-par 129 before reaching the target in the 32nd over.Tuesday will be a different ball game against the four-time ODI world champions, who boast globally known stars like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, Lauren Bell, Tammy Beaumont, and many others. On experience and paper, the Europeans are far ahead of their Asian opponents, but Bangladesh will try to prove their performance against Pakistan was no fluke.Bangladesh will rely on players like wicketkeeper-captain Nigar Sultana, seamer Marufa Akter, spinner Nishita Akter Nishi, and opener Rubya Haider to take the battle to their opponents. While Marufa was adjudged player of the match against Pakistan with figures of 2/31 from her seven overs, Haider was instrumental in the chase with a solid and unbeaten 54.The Barsapara pitch is likely to aid the batters as always, with pacers getting some early help. As the game progresses, the surface may slow down a bit, bringing spinners into play.With a forecast of slight afternoon rain, England will start as firm favourites on Tuesday. Bangladesh will fancy their chances but have a tough task against a side gunning for their fifth ODI World Cup title.
