World Cup 2023: Dawid Malan's magnificent 140 helps England bounce back in style as Bangladesh get harsh reality check

England finally announced their arrival at the 2023 ICC World Cup on Tuesday, albeit a little later than they would have hoped for.

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The defending champions bounced back in style after being outgunned by New Zealand, who avenged their defeat in the 2019 final with a nine-wicket victory last Thursday. Jos Buttler and Co dished out a comprehensive all-round performance against Bangladesh in the opening game of the Tuesday double-header, walking away with their first points of the campaign with a 137-run victory at Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium.

For Bangladesh, who are eyeing a maiden top-four finish in ICC’s showpiece event this year, the defeat was a harsh reality check of sorts, and caused a big dent in their Net Run Rate. A dent that could cost them dear when the tournament moves closer to the knockout stage, and one that will need addressing on the part of the Tigers on a priority basis.

The two sides had entered Match 7 of the ongoing tournament on level terms as far as their head-to-head record in ICC World Cups was concerned, entering at 2-2 and looking to regain the lead. Bangladesh had defeated England in back-to-back World Cup meetings in 2011 and 2015, the first of which took place in the subcontinent.

The manner with which England dismantled Bangladesh on Tuesday, though, ultimately highlighted just how lethal the current white-ball side led by Buttler and coached by Matthew Mott are, and underlined their credentials as a side capable of becoming only the third team in the history of the World Cup to win consecutive editions.

A beautiful speech from @Root66 on an incredibly special day for @JBairstow21