Ben Stokes has said England are on “target” to become the No 1 one-day international team in the world after their series victory over Bangladesh on Wednesday.
Ben Duckett and Sam Billings hit half-centuries as England cruised to four-wicket victory in the third one-day international to win the three-match series in Chittagong.
Set a challenging target after leg-spinner Adil Rashid’s career best four for 43 restricted Bangladesh to 277-6, England passed the target losing six wickets in 47.5 overs with Duckett scoring an innings highest 63 runs, his second fifty in the series.
The visitors’ victory also ended Bangladesh’s unbeaten run of six consecutive series at home dating back from November 2014.
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Playing his first match in the series, Billings got his maiden fifty scoring 62 runs off 69 balls, which gave England much-needed solidity in what was seemingly a tough chase on the pitch that remained covered for two days due to rain.
Billings, who replaced injured Jason Roy in the team, forged a 63-run opening stand with James Vince (32) and then added another 64-run partnership with Duckett to put England firmly in control.
Paceman Shafiul Islam removed Jonny Bairstow (15) and Duckett, who also clubbed four boundaries and a six in his 68-ball innings, in a quick span to bring Bangladesh back into the contest.
Once captain Jos Buttler (25) dragged one from Mashrafe Mortaza on to his stumps and Moeen Ali spooned a catch to Mahmudullah at mid-on off the same bowler, England felt some pressure for the first time during their chase.
However, Stokes steadied the ship with an unbeaten 47 alongside Chris Woakes (27 not out), to steer England to victory, The all-rounder capped his impressive series with a six to win the match.
“We left it open in the second game but took it right to the end and won it comfortably in the end,” Man of the Series Stokes said. “These are small steps in what we want to accomplish as a team.
“I’m starting to pay back the team with runs, want to take it on to India and perform there as well. Me and Jos work well, quite aggressive with bat and ball, and with our field placings.
“The team we have had together in the last 18 months has proved a lot of people wrong, and if we keep going we’ll achieve our target of being No 1 in the world.”
The two teams will now engage in a two Test series, which will start on October 20 in the same city.
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