England have gotten back on track at the Cricket World Cup with a 137-run victory over Bangladesh.
Jos Buttler's side went into the fixture in Dharamsala having opened their defence with a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of New Zealand, immediately putting them up against it to reach the semi-finals.
However, a knock of 140 from Dawid Malan helped guide England to 364-9 off their 50 overs before they bowled out Bangladesh for 227 with 10 balls remaining.
Dismissing their opponents inside their allotted overs may eventually prove pivotal with England being required to improve their net run-rate, but any win on Tuesday was imperative if they were to get back into contention.
Jonny Bairstow (52) and Malan put on 115 for the first wicket before Joe Root (82) combined with Malan to add a further 151 runs in a second-wicket stand.
While Root hit eight fours and one six during a 68-ball innings, Malan battered 16 fours and five maximums during his 107 deliveries at the crease.
The rest of the England order faltered, Jos Buttler and Harry Brook the next highest scorers with 20 runs apiece, and England made just 66 runs from the final 10 overs.
TWO WICKETS IN TWO BALLS! 🔥
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 10, 2023
Reece Topley 💪 pic.twitter.com/J5A8b3EN1X
Nevertheless, there was never any sign that it could prove decisive, particularly after Reece Topley blew through the majority of the Bangladesh top order and posted figures of 4-43.
Opener Litton Das was superb, making 76 from 66, while Mushfigur Rahim (51) and Towhid Hridoy (39) kept the runs ticking over for their side.
Wickets were falling at regular intervals, though, as Chris Woakes posted 2-49 with four other bowlers taking one apiece to dismiss Bangladesh for 227.
Darren Plant
