Without any of their first-choice top four and facing the prospect of completing what would be the highest ever chase in Chittagong, England had the odds stacked against them to win this ODI series with victory in the third one-day international. However, went about chasing down the daunting score in impressive style, ending Bangladesh's brilliant run in ODI cricket at home as a result.
Bangladesh were targeting their seventh consecutive series win on home shores coming into this third and final match, but they ran into an England team in form and control of their fortunes.
After a topsy-turvy first couple of matches, when the team that should have lost ended up winning, it all came down to the last match in Chittagong. With the rain finally relenting and allowing for a full match, Bangladesh set about posting a strong score for the conditions.
Mushfiqur Rahim (67, 62b, 4x4, 1x6) scored a half-century, three players hits 40s and Mosaddek Hossain struck 38 as Bangladesh managed to get to 277 for six in their 50 overs, even after Adil Rashid picked up four wickets.
It was a tough ask for England, without Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan, their usual top four, for various reasons, to chase the score down, but their "second choice" players stepped up again.
Sam Billings scored 62 (69b, 4x4, 1x6) and Ben Duckett added 63 (68b, 4x4, 1x6) struck half-centuries, before Ben Stokes was given the task of taking England home. The vice-captain for this tour did just that with a calm 47 (48b, 1x4, 2x6), while Chris Woakes (27, 18b, 3x4, 1x6) chipped in nicely at the end as well to help England to the target with two overs, a ball and four wickets to spare.
"It is hugely satisfying," England captain Jos Buttler said. "It should not be underestimated what we have achieved here. Physically, it's been a tough tour for us and mentally as well, with everything that's gone on before, and then to come here – a pretty young and inexperienced team – to win in Bangladesh, who have had success in their recent series, I thought we played really well, but with room for improvement as well.
"It's great to learn when you're winning, and good teams win games when they are not at their best. Moving forward, this tour will stand us in great stead."
