England have recorded a three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first one-day international in Mirpur courtesy of a magnificent century from Dawid Malan.
Having bowled out their hosts for 209, England had been expected to make light work of the run chase, only to be reduced to 65-4 after 16.1 overs.
However, Malan remained at the crease from the second over onwards to compile a match-winning 114 from 145 balls, sealing the triumph with his eighth four with eight balls remaining.
Although Bangladesh started brightly enough after winning the toss, wickets were lost at regular intervals throughout their innings with only Najmul Hossain Shanto making any noteworthy impression.
The number three hit 58 from 82 balls, and Mahmudullah was the only other batsman to score above 30 with a more patient 31 from 48 deliveries.
BREAKING: Dawid Malan hits unbeaten 114 as England beat Bangladesh by three wickets in first ODI 👏 pic.twitter.com/ryvaENwSYf
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) March 1, 2023
Each of England's six bowlers made contributions, with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid all collecting two wickets apiece.
In their reply, England lost Jason Roy for four at the end of the first over, and it gave Bangladesh the encouragement required to make further inroads with many of the top order departing for no more than 12 runs.
Nevertheless, Malan stood firm, requiring 92 balls to bring up his fifty before accelerating later in his innings, eventually finishing with four sixes.
Will Jacks, on debut, made an important 26 as part of a 38-run fifth-wicket partnership, while Rashid deserves a special mention for a disciplined 17 from 29 deliveries to help get England over the line.
Darren Plant
