Sharjah, Oct 5 (Reporter) England's four-pronged spin attack proved decisive as they edged out Bangladesh by 21 runs in a gripping low-scoring encounter in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Sharjah on Saturday. After posting a modest total of 118/7, England's spinners combined to strangle Bangladesh's chase, sealing a crucial win in Group B. England's innings began brightly after captain Heather Knight won the toss and opted to bat. Openers Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge gave the team a promising start, putting on 48 for the first wicket. Wyatt-Hodge top-scored with 41, but once Bouchier (23) fell, the innings lost momentum. Bangladesh's bowlers, led by Fahima Khatun (2/18) and Nahida Akter (2/21), applied pressure, taking key wickets at regular intervals. The middle-order faltered, with Nat Sciver-Brunt (2) and Knight (6) falling cheaply, and England’s lower order was left to scramble to a modest total. Bangladesh's chase started cautiously, with Dilara Akter (6) and Shathi Rani (7) departing early to England's spin duo of Charlie Dean and Linsey Smith. Sobhana Mostary held firm with a resilient knock of 44 off 48 balls, but Bangladesh struggled to accelerate against England's disciplined bowling. Mostary found brief support from captain Nigar Sultana, but with wickets falling regularly, the required rate became increasingly out of reach. Smith (2/11) was the standout performer, supported by Dean (2/22), Sarah Glenn (1/22), and Sophie Ecclestone. England's spinners collectively bowled 16 overs, tying Bangladesh's batters in knots. The breakthrough came when Dean trapped Mostary lbw with just nine balls remaining, effectively sealing the game. Bangladesh ultimately finished on 97/7, falling 21 runs short of the target. Despite the loss, they will take positives from their bowling performance and look ahead to their crucial match against the West Indies on Thursday. England, now top of Group B, face South Africa in their next fixture on Monday. Brief scores England 118/7 (Danni Wyatt-Hodge 41, Maia Bouchier 23; Fahima Khatun 2/18, Nahida Akter 2/21); Bangladesh 97/7 (Sobhana Mostary 44; Linsey Smith 2/11, Charlie Dean 2/22)...////...