Dawid Malan and Adil Rashid. (Photo Source: MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Courtesy of a majestic ton by Dawid Malan (114*), reigning world champions England clinched the first ODI by three wickets against Bangladesh. The two teams crossed swords in the first of the three-match ODI series which was played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Upon winning the toss, Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal decided to set up a total. However, a determined English bowling unit operated in tandem to deck up the home side at regular intervals. Najmul Hossain Shanto, who relished a terrific season in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), carved out a rather delicate knock of 58 runs from 82 balls.
His stay at the crease included six boundaries before getting dismissed by spinner Adil Rashid. Meanwhile, Rashid, Moeen Ali, Mark Wood, and ace pacer Jofra Archer racked up two wickets each to reduce the Bangla Tigers to mere 209 runs in 47.2 overs.
Dawid Malan rescues England’s run chase
Prior to the contest, the English side were deemed as favourites to obtain a result in their favour. However, the tables seemed to have quickly turned when Jos Buttler and Co. began their run chase.
Openers Phil Salt and Jason Roy failed to hand a decent head start in the chase as the latter was sent packing for a meagre four runs. What followed was the world champions losing half their side in under 110 runs which immediately handed the home side a momentary control over the match. Taijul Islam scalped a three-wicket haul whereas Mehidy Hasan Miraz got two under his belt.
Enter Dawid Johannes Malan. The veteran batter, who came in the middle-order took matters into his own hands and kept the scoreboard ticking initially. Despite the top and middle-order collapse, Malan remained determined to anchor the side towards a potential win.
As the southpaw felt settled towards the second half of the chase, Malan shifted gears and slammed a crucial ton off 134 balls. Despite the visitors’ horror start, Malan’s calm demeanour guided the side to their first win against the Bangla Tigers in the first ODI as he concluded with a score of 114* off 145 balls which included eight boundaries and four maximums.
Here is how Twitter buzzed during the action-packed contest between England and Bangladesh-