Bangladesh -England ODI Test Series 
Third Match at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram Played on 6 March 2023
Bangladesh 246 All Out in 48.4 Overs (Shakib Al Hasan 75, Mushfiqur Rahim 70, Nazmul Hossain Shanto 53, Jofra Archer 3/35, Adil Rashid 2/21, Sam Curran 2/51) 
England 196 All Out in 43.1 Overs (James Vince 38, Phil Slat 35, Chris Woakes 34, Jos Buttler 26, Sam Curran 23, Shakib Al Hasan 4/35, Ebadat Hossain 2/38, Taijul Islam 2/52)
 
Having lost first two matches of the series at Sherebangla team tigers lost their first series at home in 7 years. Bouncing back with vengeance they restored pride Sagarika winning in style against three lions. 

Ironically the series saw repeat of the history as England won it 2-1.  Bangladesh went down fighting in the first match by three wickets, were blown away by 132 runs in the second and won yesterday impressively by 50 runs. The win must have given some wind in the wings of mastermind Haturasinghe. Should encourage Bangladesh committing more in T20 series.

Bangladesh batting first after winning the toss scored 246 all out in 48.4 Overs. Shakib (75), Mushfique (70) and Shanto (53) scored fifties but none could make it big for a 280 plus score. Bangladesh still could not bat out the quota of overs. A better planned batting could create opportunities for Bangladesh pressurizing the tourist if they can manage some early breakthroughs. The wicket is dry and will take turn. 246 which  appeared  to be 25 runs too less proved enough for match winning as tigers exploited the slow turning track skillfully. In teasing condition several English batsmen got start but could not get going. Champion Shakib bowling intelligently led the defense taking 4/35. He became the first bowler of Bangladesh taking 300 ODI wickets. For his match winning all round performance Shakib won the man of the match while brilliant leg spinner Adil Rashid was adjudged player of the series for his consistent performance with the ball. 

Bangladesh once again failed to start well as Litton went in the very first over scoring nothing. Young enterprising Sam Curran also got rid of Tamim for 11. Bangladesh was reeling at 2/17 by the 3rd over. From there on batting sensibly Shanto and Mushfique adding 98 for the third wicket set a solid foundation. Shanto ran himself out scoring his second fifty of the series. Mushfique and Shakib were expected to consolidate. They looked solid till Adil Rashid fooling Mushfique with a well disguised googlie castled him for well made 70. Rashid also accounted for Mahmudullah cheaply. From there Shakib playing his flamboyance took the score almost single handedly to 246. Shakib also scored back-to-back fifty. Again Bangladesh batsmen struggled against leg spin of Adil Rashid (2/21) , seam and swing of Sam Curran 2/51 and Raw Pace of Jofra Archer 3/35 .

At innings break it appeared that England will cruise over Bangladesh earning series white wash. But injured tigers found the slow low turning wicket suiting their skills. Shakib (4/35)  was true in his elements with his accuracy and deadly arm balls. Ebadat ( 2/38) getting first opportunity in the series bowled with pace. Taizul also complemented Shakib. Bangladesh fielded with purpose. Several English batsmen James Vince (38) ,Phil Salt (35) , Chris Woakes (34) , Jos Buttler (26) , Sam Curran (23) got start .But none could repeat the performance of David Malan of the first match or Jason Roy in the second. No partnership was allowed growing big. English innings was wrapped up for 196. It was a very satisfying 50 runs win for team tigers. 

It the ODI series done and dusted Bengal will lock horns with English Lions for three matches T20 series commencing ZAC on 9th March. Hope Bangladesh can carry their tempo in that series . Shakib, Shanto can take pride the way they batted. Both scored two fifties in the series.  Mushfique also found his form. Litton Tamim, Mahmudullah and Afif must reassess what went wrong. Bangladesh batsmen should take a leaf from David Malan and Jason Roy how to turn a good innings to a match winning Innings. Hope ignored for the series Tawhid Hridoy will be given his opportunity to prove his talent at T20. Bangladesh must set a mission for finding few quality leg spinners as leg spin proves Achilles Heels for them

BDST: 1225 HRS, MAR 07, 2023
MSK/SMS