England skipper Heather Knight reminded the cricket world why she is still one of women’s cricket’s most dependable batters after months of being on the sidelines. Knight provided a calm and composed innings in her first One-Day International for just under nine months, leading England to a ruthless and composed victory over Bangladesh at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in Guwahati.
Her solid 79 off 111 balls may not be her most flamboyant innings, but it showed off her temperament, understanding of the game, and an ability to lead — all of which make her one of the modern greats of the women’s game.
A Return After a Long Battle with Injury
Knight’s comeback to her primed self is a long and hard road of rehabilitation. Her last ODI match was on January 17 in Hobart, Australia. Within months, in May, a hamstring tendon strain ruled her out of England’s home summer and many international matches. The rehabilitation process was a hard experience.
Rehab, physio appointments, and the mental side of her game became part of Linda’s everyday life in the pandemic. For a player who was known for her consistencies and fitness, it was a difficult time mentally to be away from the game for so long. Knight used that time to reclaim her strength, focus, and appetite for the game.
When she finally emerged to bat in Guwahati, there was a stoic intent in her eyes — a champion preparing to reclaim her turf.
A Fighty Innings Under Siege
England’s pursuit of 179 versus Bangladesh was far from smooth. The track in Guwahati provided turn and variable bounce, and run-scoring proved hard. Wickets falling early placed the team under pressure, and the Bangladeshi spinners were relentless in their accuracy.
At 2 for 25, England were tottering. The tension of a World Cup pursuit was there in the air. But Heather Knight did what big players do — she defused the pressure.
It was evident from the opening overs that this innings was not going to be one based on boundaries but on patience and persistence. Knight went about finding her eye in good time, running briskly between the wickets, keeping the strike rotating, and waiting for the loose ball.
She survived the initial storm, then slowly stretched out her game. Her choice of shots was textbook-excellent — cutting everything short, sweeping against the turn, and driving down the ground with precision. Every run was gained through sheer discipline and concentration.
Building Partnerships, Anchoring the Chase
Partnerships win games, and Knight is more aware of that than anybody. Her pivotal resistance with Charlie Dean in the middle overs stabilized England’s innings and changed the game.
They rebuilt the innings brick by brick, running sensibly and taking the odd loose ball on, and Bangladesh’s bowlers attempted every trick in the book. Knight’s unflappable presence kept England in control of the run chase at all times.
“Some times in those situations, it’s just about being in the middle, acclimatising to the rate of the wicket,” Knight explained after the game. “It wasn’t my most elegant knock, particularly in the early stages, but I knew once I was settled, I could take the team home. It was about establishing that rhythm and relying on my technique.”
Her versatility was apparent. She knew when to play safe and when to push. Even when wickets fell in a heap at the other end, she did not panic. England needed a steady hand at this point, and Knight played the ideal anchor role.
The Turning Point: Finding Her Groove
As the innings went on, Knight got into her groove. The footwork improved, the timing better, and the confidence was visible. By the 35th over, she was in command.
“I started to feel in that groove, in that rhythm, particularly during that partnership with Charlie Dean,” she reflected. “Coming back from injury, that rhythm of batting in the middle can take time. So, I’m really delighted to have spent time out there under pressure.”
There were flashes of fortune — a reversed LBW decision and a couple of close calls — but there is always luck in a great innings. What is important was that Knight seared every opportunity, remaining unbeaten and taking England home with four overs remaining.
Leadership Through Calm and Confidence
Heather Knight’s innings was not so much about the runs she made — it was about the leadership she showed under duress. Her composed nature bred confidence in the changing room. Even when England were under testing conditions, her body language never faltered.
For a side that boasted such young guns like Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley, Knight’s presence up the order was a masterclass in the art of tackling tough chases. She had a simple message: remain patient, play sensibly, and finish strongly.
A Major Boost for England’s World Cup Campaign
With two consecutive wins to start the CWC25, England now sit on top of the table. Knight’s return to form is not just a personal triumph but a massive boost to the team’s campaign. Her experience and ability to perform in crunch situations make England one of the most formidable sides in the tournament.
Their upcoming fixture is in Colombo on Saturday versus Sri Lanka, where England will look to maintain their winning momentum. With Knight finding his form and the middle order working well, the confidence amongst the group is quite high.
What This Means for Knight and England
This innings was not only a match-winning knock — it was a declaration of resistance. After months of agony and doubt, Knight made it clear that champions don’t wilt away; they come back stronger.
Her mood, maturity and adaptability will be significant as the Cup progresses. As England chases another title, having their captain tuned-in may be the difference on their path.
England Squad for CWC25
Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
