England rode on a half-century from skipper Charlotte Edwards to beat Bangladesh by 36 runs in a group match of the women’s World T20, in Bengaluru, on Thursday.
Opting to bat, England put up 153 for seven, Edwards scoring 60 off 51 balls, including seven fours.
Besides Edwards, Natalie Sciver smashed 27 off 22 balls, including two boundaries before the slog overs, and Katherine Brunt and Danielle Wyatt hammered 17 and 15 in eight and seven balls respectively as England got past the 150-mark.
In reply, Bangladesh were never in the hunt and finished with 117 for six despite a 64 run-stand for the fifth wicket between Nigar Sultana (35) and Salma Khatun (32 not out).
The can, however, take a positive from the match as they bettered their previous best total of 91 for seven against India in this game.
Bangladesh started the run-chase rather poorly, losing wickets at regular intervals, and were 46 for four in 10.3 overs.
Sharmin Akter(0), Ayasha Rahman(2), Fargana Hoque (19), were dismissed by Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrushbole and Danielle Hazell respectively, while Rumana Ahmed was unfortunately run out for 19.
Nigar and Salma did show some pluck but it was not enough to win the match.
Earlier, when England batted, Sciver was involved in a crucial 47-run partnership with Edwards for the fifth wicket.
Sarah Taylor and Edwards scripted a 36-run partnership for the second wicket, before Bangladesh’s bowlers succeeded in picking two wickets off three balls, thus reducing England to 71 for three in 10.1 overs.
However, Edwards kept the board ticking, showing a lot of calm. She planned her innings well and paced it to perfection.
Brief Scores:
England: 153-7 (Charlotte Edwards 60, Natalie Sciver 27, Jahanara Alam 3-32).
Bangladesh: 117-6 (Nigar Sultana 35, Salma Khatun 32, Anya Shrubsole 2-27).
