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DHAKA, Oct 8, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh legspinner Fahima Khatun warned their opponents in the ICC Cricket World Cup by stating that no one should take her team lightly in the upcoming matches.

Her comment came following Bangladesh's breathtaking performance against England. They were close to a famous upset before suffering a four-wicket defeat. 

Fahima who took three wickets for just 16 runs in 10 overs believes they were a Heather Knight wicket away from beating England at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup.

"We were trying hard to get Heather Knight's wicket because if we had got her out at that stage, things would have been much better," Fahima said after the match.

Bangladesh were bundled out for 178 after being sent to bat first in Guwahati Stadium. 

Fahim then sent England in the receiving end as they were reduced to 103-6 while chasing 179-run target. Knight however stood tall and with luck and pluck she helped the side reach 182-6 for second straight victory.

Knight who was reprieved thrice was unbeaten on 111 ball-79 with eight fours and one six.

Bangladesh, earlier, in their first match beat Pakistan by seven wickets.

"We started (the World Cup) well and we started our journey with a good win," Fahim continued.

"So, from that sense, we were very much confident. Today ... we fell short by 20-30 runs. (But) if we can maintain this flow, then (every) team will not be able to take us easily," she said, adding that we had a preparation that we're going to play the World Cup not only to play good cricket but we will go to win there, no matter who's our opponent. 

"We won't see anyone superior, we'll just go according to our strength and we'd try to play well on that particular day. Ultimately the result will come toward us."

Fahima said with the bowling attack they have, they are confident of defending any kind of total. 

"We have already said that we had a winning score, we will defend that because we were very much confident about our bowling attack and the same was said from our team management; they were very confident about it," she opined.

Opening bowler Marufa Akter, who picked up Player of the Match honours against Pakistan, only managed five overs against England. The 20-year-old spent the second half of Bangladesh's fielding innings off the ground. But concerns have been downplayed by teammates.

"She was feeling some cramping issues," Khatun added.

"I think she's better now. She's doing well. I think it was one of the reasons for our loss. If we could let her bowl two (or) three more overs, then it would be more effective. We missed her a lot."

Bangladesh are next in action on Friday against the winless New Zealand, in another timely acid test for the Asian outfit.