Video Verdict: Heather Knight’s Dramatic Escape in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

In an ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 league match in Guwahati on Tuesday, an umpiring decision based on ‘inconclusive video evidence’ allowed England’s Heather Knight to continue playing against Bangladesh, ultimately securing a four-wicket victory for her team.

The former England captain used her significant experience to steady the middle order amid some instability and was granted three reprieves during the game. Two of these were overturned LBW decisions, but the final call notably stirred up some controversy, including disbelief from Knight herself.

During England’s chase in the 15th over, Fahima Khatun was bowling her second over when Knight, on 13 runs, hit a ball towards Shorna Akter at cover. Akter appeared to make a clean catch.

Assuming she was out, Knight started heading back to the dugout. However, the television umpire, Gayathri Venugopalan, began reviewing the footage to determine whether the catch was valid. Despite the replays being inconclusive, the umpire ruled the catch out, allowing Knight to continue batting, which she capitalized on by scoring an unbeaten 79 off 111 balls.

During the post-match presentation, Knight, who was named Player of the Match, reflected on the reprieve: “I thought it carried and believed it was a fair catch, which is why I walked off. The third umpire decided otherwise.”

Published on October 7, 2025.