Bangladesh vs England: Dawid Malan century, bowlers help visitors secure win in 1st ODI; 5 key takeaways

The left-handed batter notched up his career’s fourth ODI ton as England chased down the target of 210 for the loss of seven wickets as their top-order collapsed on a tricky Mirpur pitch.

Bangladesh fail to post big total vs England

The hosts struggled after electing to bat first as English bowlers restricted them to 209 in 47.2 overs. While England overhauled the target in 48.4 overs.

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Tamim Iqbal (23) began purposefully but the hosts’ momentum was disrupted by Mark Wood (2-34) and Chris Woakes (1-28), the former dismissing the hosts’ captain with an emphatic delivery.

The English spinners then took care of Bangladesh’s middle order, with each bowler claiming at least one wicket.

Najmul lone bright spot with bat for Bangladesh

Najmul Hossain Shanto (58) proved the biggest nuisance and helped Bangladesh cross the 200-run mark with his maiden half-century. But a tremendous catch from Jason Roy sent him back to the pavilion at 159-5 in what proved a turning point – Bangladesh added only another 50 runs.

England lose top four cheaply

England’s chase received an early blow when Roy (4) fell to a simple Iqbal catch in the first over, while Phil Salt (12), James Vince (6) and Jos Buttler (9) were not much better.

Taijul Islam (3-54) took two of the first four wickets as England found themselves on 65-4, but amid all the floundering, Malan was calmly plugging away.

A close escape from an lbw appeal in the 22nd over proved vital, with Malan first playing it steady as he reached 50 off 92, before then getting his century off 134.
He secured the ton with a clip through midwicket that brought up his 10th boundary, and another four – whacked through wide mid-on – fittingly ensured Malan clinched victory.

Malan showed resistance with sublime century

England’s bowlers did some sterling work early on, with Jofra Archer, Wood, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid all taking two wickets each, but the generally disappointing nature of the visitors’ chase meant Malan had to take on the role of a firefighter.

After looking all at sea at 65-4, Malan took charge. In claiming his 100, he becomes the second-fastest player to four ODI centuries.

Taijul kept Bangladesh in hunt

Bangladesh were also largely better with the ball than the bat. Taijul was the pick of the bunch for the hosts, taking three wickets – more than anyone else in the match.
His efforts were central to England getting off to a stuttering start.

In the end, one man’s class was the difference, and to be fair to Bangladesh, Malan looked like he could bat another 50 overs and still not get removed.

(With inputs from Agencies)