CWC 19 Preview: England vs. Bangladesh; Can England overcome the ghosts of their past against a determined Bangladesh?

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The mighty England, the host nation and the strong favorites to win this year’s Cricket World Cup have made a steady start to the tournament, defeating South Africa in their opening fixture but later losing to Pakistan in a massive upset. Now they are looking to bounce back in their next match against Bangladesh.

While England are arguably the strongest team in white ball cricket, i.e. ODIs and T20s, this was not always the case. Before 2016 the English teams were for a long time considered to be average and one of the most inconsistent teams on the planet. This was particularly highlighted by their defeats and knockout at the hands of Bangladesh twice, once in the 2015 CWC and previously in the 2011 CWC as well.

2015 World Cup Result:

Bangladesh 275-7 (50 overs), England 260 (50 overs)

Bangladesh won by 15 runs.

2011 World Cup Result:

England 225 (49.4 overs), Bangladesh 227-8 (49 overs)

Bangladesh won by 2 wickets.

Having twice been beaten in the last 2 CWCs at the hands of Bangladesh, the English side will surely be looking to get some revenge and retribution.

Considering the fact that the match is in Cardiff, which is a typical English wicket with plenty of pace and bounce for the bowlers. It’ll be tough for the batsmen to settle in. It should also be noted that Cardiff is near Bristol, where yesterday’s match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was abandoned, so there might be some rain in Cardiff as well and thus plenty of seam movement can be expected.

Thus, while the Englishmen are used to playing in such conditions, the Bangladeshis do not have much experience in this regard. Hence, beating the English in their own backyard might not be too probable for today’s game.

To sum it all up, it won’t be a really high-scoring game and both sides might play an extra seamer and the spinners might be dropped. England is surely the favourites going into this game, but Bangladesh has time and again proven that they do have the skill to defeat the English at their own game.

 

 

 

 

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