Tamim credits Malan’s magic in thrilling ODI opener

|| CF DESK ||

Tamim Iqbal, the captain of Bangladesh, hailed Dawid Malan for his match-winning ton and regretted for 30-35 runs less in their three-wicket loss to England in the first ODI of the three-match series that took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today [Wednesday].

Najmul Hossain Shanto (58 off 82) scored his first ODI fifty, but no other batter from Bangladesh could establish themselves.

However, the hosts made a decent start after electing to bat first, with skipper Tamim Iqbal making 23. But after Chris Woakes earned the first breakthrough with the wicket of Litton Das, England struck whenever a partnership was developing.

Moeen bowled Shakib Al Hasan for eight before Rashid picked up the wicket of Mushfiqur Rahim.

Shanto and Mahmudullah Riyad (31) forged a 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket before they fell in successive overs.

Debutant Will Jacks claimed the wicket of Afif Hossain three overs later to kill off Bangladesh's remaining chance of putting up a big total.

"I thought the position we were in, we should have scored at least 30-35 more. It was a good wicket for spinners. We started well and lost three back-to-back wickets. 250 is gettable on this wicket. We were going like that," Tamim said during a post-match presentation.

Tamim, however, praised his team's bowling performance. "The bowling unit did well, we fielded well and fought extremely well. Have to give it to [Dawid] Malan. We tried all our bowling options. Whenever the wicket was there, we kept catchers in. Proud of the bowlers the way they bowled. Have to credit one man, Malan."

Malan, who adjudged player-of-the-match, single-handedly took the match away from the home side, said that it would have been tough for them if Bangladesh had gotten 30-40 runs more.

"I spent a fair bit of time in Bangladesh, especially at this ground. I told Jos [Buttler] it would have been tough to chase if they'd have got 30-40 more. Don't think you can knock the target with two down on this surface. We had a few 30-40 run partnerships and that helped wrestle back the game. You know they have a lot of spin. Satisfying to get over the line, handling pressure is part of the job," said Malan.