Moeen Ali’s half-century guided England to a four-wicket win over Bangladesh in their final World Cup warm-up match in a rain-affected encounter at Barsapara Cricket Ground.
England easily managed to chase down Bangladesh’s 188-9 with 77 balls to spare, in a match reduced to 37 overs each due to rain as a nearby earthquake shook parts of Guwahati.
Bangladesh looked on course for a strong total when opener Tanzid Hasan made 45 (44) and Mehidy Hasan hit 74 (89), but the English bowlers forced a collapse at the back as 155-6 became 179-9 in the space of three overs.
In reply, Bangladesh’s left-handed bowler Mustafizur Rahman (2-23) removed England openers Jonny Bairstow (34) and Dawid Malan (four), but struggled against Joe Root (26 not out) who anchored the innings.
England’s first warm-up match against India on Saturday was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to heavy rain. They now face New Zealand on Thursday as they begin the defense of their 50-over World Cup title.
England makes a strong comeback after rain
England lost the toss and were put into the bowl with pace bowler Reece Topley (3-23) removing Liton Das (five) and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (two) to leave Bangaldesh 26-2 at the fifth over.
With efforts from Tanzid and Mehidy, Bangladesh climbed to 153-5 in 30 overs before rain halted play.
A well-rested England bowling unit then resumed play strongly, taking wickets regularly as Mark Wood (1-9) removed Bangladesh’s opener and spinner Adil Rashid (2-27) tore through the middle order to account for Mushfiqur Rahim (eight) and Mahmudullah (18).
Bangladesh’s lower order struggled against England’s pace, with only Taskin Ahmed (12 not out) reaching double figures, while David Willey (2-26) and Sam Curran (1-23) bowled through the rest of the batters .
Moeen’s knock inspires victory
England’s Bairstow and Malan fell victim to Bangladesh’s pace early on, leaving them 51-2 down, before Harry Brook (17) and Root helped steady the ship.
Captain Jos Buttler added 30 to England’s total, with five fours and one six. However, it was Moeen who stole the show at the death, hitting two fours and six sixes.
He brought one 37-ball half-century, but as he looked to finish things off with a big hit, he was caught at midwicket by Towhid Hridoy.
New Zealand defeated South Africa by seven points
New Zealand posted a strong total of 321-6 against South Africa in their World Cup warm-up match, but captain Kane Williamson was forced to retire injured at the Greenfield Stadium.
Opener Devon Conway hit 78 off 73 balls before he too left the field injured.
South Africa were 211-4 after 37 overs with opener Quinton de Kock making 84 not out, but the arrival of rain left them seven points behind DLS.
Watch the World Cup live on Sky Sports between October 5 and November 19, with England facing New Zealand in the opening match on Thursday.