Known for her hard-hitting in domestic cricket, Bangladesh all-rounder Shorna Akter had long struggled to showcase her abilities in international cricket.

It was once again a case of so close yet so far for Bangladesh women in the ICC Women's World Cup in India, this time with a heartbreaking three-wicket defeat against South Africa in Visakhapatnam on Monday. 

The contest not only showcased top-class batting from both sides but also rewrote several record books in women’s cricket.

Meanwhile, South Africa medium-pacer Tumi Sekhukhune said her side are wary of Bangladesh’s spin-heavy attack.

Alyssa Healy led from the front with a blistering century as Australia sealed a thrilling three-wicket win in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 clash against India, chasing down 331 with an over to spare. The game went right down to the wire but despite losing wickets at crucial stages, Australia held their nerve to cross the finish line.

She comes from Barisal, from a home where cricket wasn’t supposed to be a daughter’s dream.

In the same match in Vizag, the 29-year-old left-hander also became the fifth batter to score 5000 runs in women’s ODIs.

After three rounds of matches, the ICC Women's World Cup standings are taking shape. With one win in three games, Bangladesh are sixth in the eight-team points-table. To stay in the hunt for a place in the semifinals, Nigar Sultana and Co. need to pull off a few upsets. 

As Bangladesh head to Visakhapatnam for their next two matches against South Africa and Australia on October 13 and 16, they will hope their captain can rediscover her touch to keep their World Cup campaign alive.

England stamped their authority on the Women's World Cup with a commanding 89-run win over Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday, powered by a classy hundred from Nat Sciver-Brunt and a masterly spell of spin from Sophie Ecclestone.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty’s form has also been under the spotlight, with the skipper averaging just nine runs so far.

Rabeya Khan struck twice, while Bates was run out after a 33-ball 29 -- laced with six fours -- leaving New Zealand struggling at 39 for three after 12 overs.

After copping a heavy World Cup defeat against England, the Proteas have beaten New Zealand and now India, in what was one of the most compelling matches of the tournament so far.

The result gave South Africa their second consecutive victory while India suffered their first defeat of the tournament.

Before departing for the World Cup, expectations surrounding Nigar Sultana Joty's side were relatively modest.

A superb century from Beth Mooney dragged defending champions Australia back from the brink of disaster before they completed a crushing 107-run win over Pakistan in a Women’s World Cup clash in Colombo on Wednesday.

Bowling hero Fahima Khatun admitted as much, speaking after her side's four-wicket defeat against England.

The Tigresses, buoyed by a win over Pakistan in their opening match, kept England on a tight leash for much of the innings. 

Sobhana Mostary scored a patient half-century while Rabeya Khan smashed a quickfire 43 as Bangladesh posted 178 all out in 49.4 overs.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has recently appointed Salma as the country's first woman selector.