David Malan's magnificent innings, supported by a formidable bowling effort from Reece Topley, propelled the defending champions to a resounding 137-run victory over Bangladesh at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) on Tuesday.
Malan showcased a breathtaking performance, smashing a career-best 140 in a display of impeccable timing and power.
Malan, the in-form opener who has taken the reins from Jason Roy, notched up his fourth ODI century in 2023 at the picturesque Himalayan ground. Jonny Bairstow, in his 100th ODI, added to the fireworks with a half-century before being dismissed for 52 by Shakib Al Hasan. Joe Root carried the momentum forward with some aggressive strokes, including a stunning ramp shot for six.
Malan, aged 36, reached his stylish century in just 91 balls and then unleashed a barrage of boundaries, scoring 20 runs off a mere four balls during one Mehidy Hasan over. Bangladesh finally found a breakthrough when Malan fell to Mahedi Hasan, but the damage was already done.
With Ben Stokes still sidelined due to injury, Jos Buttler promoted himself up the order and briefly lit up the stage with a quick 20 off 10 balls. However, Root, now England's all-time top scorer at World Cups, departed for 82 after top-edging a delivery from Shoriful Islam.
The late stages of England's innings saw wickets tumble as Shoriful claimed three and Mahedi took four wickets. Despite the flurry of dismissals, England managed to set a commanding total of 364-9 on the board.
In response, Bangladesh got off to a rapid start, with Liton Das smashing three consecutive fours off the first over bowled by Chris Woakes. However, England's towering pace bowler, Reece Topley, wreaked havoc on Bangladesh's top order. They were quickly reduced to 14-2, with Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto struggling against Topley's pace and movement.
Captain Shakib Al Hasan's wicket made it 26-3, and Woakes added to the misery by dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Liton Das played a fine inning, reaching fifty off 38 balls, but eventually fell for 76 after edging a slower ball from Woakes.
Topley secured his fourth wicket when Mushfiquir Rahim was caught by Adil Rashid. As the run rate climbed, Bangladesh's chances diminished, and the game lost its competitiveness, ultimately ending with England's convincing 137-run victory.
With this win, England revived their World Cup campaign and kept their hopes alive as they aim for a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament, where the top four teams will advance.
