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Dawid Malan scored an unbeaten 114 runs off 145 balls to seal a hard-fought victory for England against Bangladesh in the first ODI in Mirpur on Wednesday, March 1. Defending 209 runs, the Bangladeshi bowlers kept most of the English batters at bay throughout the innings, but could not get the wicket of Malan, who helped his team to 212 for the loss of seven wickets.
The English chase had a rough start after Jason Roy (4) fell to a simple catch by Tamim Iqbal in Shakib Al Hasan's opening over. Phil Salt (12), James Vince (6) and Jos Buttler (9) did not fare any better as the Bangladeshis began dreaming of an unlikely victory over the ODI World Champions.
Taijul Islam (3-54) was at his best, picking up two of the first four wickets as England found themselves struggling at 65-4, but while wickets were falling at the other end, Malan kept his calm, knowing that the needed run rate was well within his reach.
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He escaped an LBW appeal in the 22nd over proved vital and went on to score his half-century in 92, before reaching his fourth century in the format off 134 balls. He brought up his ton in the 46th over with a well-worked clip through midwicket — his 10th boundary — and then another boundary in the 49th over sealed the victory for England.
Earlier, the hosts bore the brunt of choosing to bat first after winning the toss. Tamim (23) tried to stabilise the innings but failed to do so, with Mark Wood (2-34) and Chris Woakes (1-28) keeping the Bangla batters within their limit.
The spinners took care of Bangladesh's middle order, with each bowler claiming at least one wicket. Najmul Hossain Shanto (58) proved to be their biggest nuisance, and his maiden ODI half-century was crucial in helping the hosts surpass 200.
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However, 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.
Buttler was especially happy with the performance of Malan, and said after the match, "Malan's innings is an example for us on how to play on these wickets. There was plenty on the wicket for both spinners and pacers. We gave away too many extras, didn't hit the lengths early. But dragged them back. There's plenty of areas to work and improve. It's about small partnerships on wickets like these"
His sentiments were also echoed by Tamim, who was appreciative of the star batter. "Have to give it to Malan. We tried everything in our bowling option. Whenever the wicket was there, we kept catchers in. Proud of the bowlers the way they bowled. Have to credit one man, Malan," he said after the match.
