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ICC WORLD CUP

England lay strong foundation against Bangladesh

AFP . Dharamsala
10 Oct 2023 13:23:08 | Update: 10 Oct 2023 13:23:08
England lay strong foundation against Bangladesh
England's Dawid Malan celebrates after scoring a half-century during the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match between England and Bangladesh at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on October 10, 2023 — AFP Photo

Jonny Bairstow made a half-century in his 100th one-day international on Tuesday as England made a flying start to their World Cup match against Bangladesh.

The defending champions lost their tournament opener by nine wickets to New Zealand but they showed no signs of a hangover in Dharamsala.

Jos Buttler's men made a steady start after being asked to bat at the picturesque Himalayan ground but upped the pace to reach 100 in the 16th over.

Dawid Malan, who has three one-day international hundreds in 2023, outscored his aggressive opening partner early on, reaching his fifty off 39 balls, with seven fours and two sixes.

But Bairstow found his rhythm, bringing up his own half-century in 54 balls, including eight fours.

It was the first time he has passed fifty in ODIs since returning from a broken leg.

But the 34-year-old was bowled by skipper Shakib Al Hasan for 52, to leave England 115-1 in the 18th over.

Shakib, whose team beat Afghanistan in their opener, announced one change, with off-spinning allrounder Mahedi Hasan replacing Mahmudullah Riyad in the side. 

England opted for extra pace, bringing in Reece Topley for off-spinner Moeen Ali.

"They are the world champions," said Shakib. "We have to be at our best to get a good result but we are up for the challenge."

England captain Jos Buttler, who is still missing all-rounder Ben Stokes, described his side's nine-wicket defeat by New Zealand in their opener as "a bad day at the office."

"We know we were short of our best and we've had a couple of good days' practice before today and we look forward to trying to put in a good performance," he said. "We're expecting a good bounceback."

The notoriously sandy and bare outfield at the picturesque Himalayan ground has already come under fire at the tournament with Buttler describing it as "poor" on the eve of the game.

Bangladesh

Liton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c),Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

England

Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (wk/c), Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley

 

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