Photo: AFP
England all-rounder Moeen Ali smashed six sixes and two fours for his 39-ball 56 to guide England to a four-wicket win (DLS method) over Bangladesh in their second and final ICC World Cup warm-up match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday.
Bangladesh pacers managed to create an impression as England were given a task of chasing 197 as the Tigers reduced the defending world champions to four down for 107 in the 11th over but a couple of dropped chances from Tigers wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim and as many missed chances at deep third-man from pacer Taskin Ahmed made it difficult for the Tigers after their dismal batting effort.
Despite the scare from the Tigers pacers, the England batters looked to make little fuss of chasing down the target as most of them were in the mood to finish proceedings early. They eventually got there in 24.1 overs, with 77 balls to spare in the rain-hampered contest that was curtailed to 37 overs.
But premier batter Joe Root held one end and Moeen took the attack to left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed at the latter stage of the innings to see England through to a comfortable victory.
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman picked up two wickets with the new ball, while his pace partners Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud bowled impressive spells and picked up one wicket each.
Bangladesh play their first World Cup match against Afghanistan on October 7 in Dharamsala before they take on the reigning champions on October 10 at the same venue in their second main stage fixture.
