Chittagong: Ben Stokes (2/20) took the last two Bangladesh wickets in three balls as England won the thrilling first cricket Test by 22 runs here Monday, depriving the hosts of an historic victory.
Bangladesh, needing 33 runs for what would have been their first win over England in nine attempts, added 10 runs to their overnight total and were all out for 263 after 20 minutes of play on the last day.
Sabbir Rahman (64 n o 102b, 3×4, 2×6), the overnight half-centurion, was left stranded as all-rounder Stokes dismissed Taijul Islam (lbw for 16) and Shafiul Islam (leg before for duck). In both cases the DRS was applied.
The appeal against Islam was turned down by umpire Kumar Dharmasena, but England got it in their favour after a review. However, when Dharmasena declared Shaiful leg before, it was the hosts’ turn to go to the third umpire. However, their review was unsuccessful and the visitors started their victory celebrations.
It brought an end to a thrilling battle between the two teams in a match dominated by spin.
Stokes was named man of the match for taking six wickets in the two innings and also scoring 85 in England’s second innings.
The second and final cricket Test will start October 28 in Dhaka before England head to India for a five-Test tour.
Brief scores: England 293 and 240; Bangladesh 248 and 263 (Sabbir Rahaman 64 n o, Ben Stokes 2/20). England won the match by 22 runs.
Agence France-Presse
