Start time: 1030, 08/06/2019
Venue: Cardiff
TV: Sky Sports
England are expected to get their Cricket World Cup campaign back on track when taking on Bangladesh in Cardiff this weekend.
The hosts can take heart from an excellent head-to-head record against the Tigers, having come out on top in 16 of the 20 previous ODI encounters between these teams.
Joe Root hit an unbeaten 133 when they last clashed in 2017 and 11/4 for him to top score for the hosts again is our opening England vs Bangladesh prediction.
Batting conditions have not been easy at this venue so far, which should favour the Yorkshireman’s more conservative style.
England’s World Cup campaign
England kicked off with a convincing victory over South Africa, but then slipped to defeat versus Pakistan at Trent Bridge.
Despite tons for Root and Jos Buttler, the Three Lions fell 14 runs short of the 348 for eight total posted by their opponents.
Liam Plunkett sat out that contest but is expected to get a recall in Wales, with a reliable wicket-taking knack in the middle overs much missed.
“You are always disappointed when you don’t get selected, but I took it on the chin,” said the Surrey seamer.
Plunkett took 4-59 against Bangladesh a couple of years ago and conditions should suit him at Sophia Gardens, which in the past has been viewed as a one-spinner venue.
Looking at the England vs Bangladesh odds, we like 4/1 for the 34-year-old to be his side’s leading bowler here.
Bangladesh wants to keep solid
Bangladesh have enjoyed a solid start to the round-robin stage, though, upsetting the Proteas and then pushing New Zealand close.
The Kiwis only scrambled home with two wickets to spare at The Oval, as the Tigers battled hard to defend a score of 244.
Captain Mashrafe Mortaza expects a tough test against the world’s top-ranked ODI team, stating: “They are one of the biggest sides in this tournament.
“It’s not going to be easy, we know that. But again, if we can play our best possible cricket, you never know.”
Mortaza has a strong dressing-room presence, while Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim have also been playing at international level for more than a decade.
Shakib has shone brightest so far, hitting 75 versus South Africa and then giving us a 4/1 pay-out by top scoring on 64 against the Black Caps.
Let’s stick with the talented all-rounder to head his side’s runs chart at 4/1 again to complete our England vs Bangladesh betting tips.
