Hosts Bangladesh have bounced back after a disappointing loss against West Indies with a thrilling win over England at Chittagong. The homeside needing a modest target of 226 for a win were cruising along at 52 for no loss in about 8 overs but made heavy weather of the target after that to find themselves in a hopeless position of 169 for 8. The writing seemed to be on the wall for an English victory but for a sensational 58-run stand for the ninth wicket between Mahmudullah (21* from 42 balls) and Shafiul Islam (24* from 24 balls with 4 fours and a six) helped Bangladesh get to the target with an over left!
Opener Imrul Kayes who top scored with 60 from 100 balls (with 5 fours) along with his crucial diving catch to get rid of Eoin Morgan was rewarded with the Man of the Match award. Kayes who put up 52 runs for the opening wicket also got into a solid partnership of 82 for the fourth wicket with his Skipper Shakib Al Hasan (32 from 58 balls). England who were asked to bat first were in a shaky position of 53 for 3 before they recovered decently thanks to a 109-run stand for the fourth wicket between Jonathan Trott (67 from 99 balls) and Eoin Morgan (63 from 72 balls with 8 fours). However, England lost the steam in the final overs to be bowled out for 225.
This is only the second win for Bangladesh in this tournament and both of them have been very tight wins. And it is also the second time that Bangladesh have defeated England in One Day Internationals.
- BV Swagath
