England have slumped to a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in the first T20 international in Chattogram.
Although the tourists prevailed 2-1 in the one-day-international series, Bangladesh had momentum after winning the final fixture earlier this week.
On Thursday, they deservedly made it two wins over England in the space of 72 hours as they chased down a target of 157 with 12 balls remaining.
Despite losing the toss, England dominated the opening quarter of the contest as Phil Salt and Jos Buttler put on 80 for the opening wicket.
However, Salt (38) and Dawid Malan fell in quick succession, and a quickfire 20 from 13 deliveries from Ben Duckett was required to get England to 135-3 with four overs left.
Bangladesh beat England in first T20I by six wickets 🏏pic.twitter.com/8ejzvhHSjx
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) March 9, 2023
Buttler was dismissed with the next ball having compiled a powerful 67 from 42, hitting four sixes during his knock, and just 21 runs came from the remaining 24 balls as England made 156-6.
Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer kept Bangladesh at 43-2 off 4.5 overs, although England were largely powerless when it came to trying to dismiss Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Eight boundaries were posted in a majestic 51 from 30 balls before Mark Wood struck, but the groundwork has been done for his teammates to get their nation over the line.
After Towhid Hridoy added 24 from 17, captain Shakib Al Hasan took centre stage to make 34 from 24, his six fours playing a pivotal part in Bangladesh cruising over the line against their more illustrious opponents.
Darren Plant
