Dawid Malan Scripts History, Becomes 3rd English Batter To Get World Cup Century In India

Malan, opening for England, notched his maiden World Cup century in this encounter.

Dawid Malan in action.

Source : Getty

England faced Bangladesh in the World Cup 2023, where Dawid Malan achieved a significant milestone by becoming only the third England batter to score a century in a World Cup match held in India. The left-handed opener delivered a remarkable performance against the Bangladesh bowling attack on October 10 in Dharamsala.

Malan, opening for England, notched his maiden World Cup century in this encounter. It marked his sixth ODI century and made him the eighth England opener to achieve a century in the prestigious 50-over tournament. He reached the hundred-run mark in just 91 balls, displaying his dominance with 12 boundaries and 2 sixes at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. Importantly, Malan's century was the first for England in this year's World Cup in India.

Only two other England batters have accomplished this feat in a World Cup held in India. Graham Gooch scored 115 against India in Mumbai in 1987, while Andrew Strauss notched 158 against India in Bengaluru in 2011.

Malan achieved his century in the 32nd over, helping England beyond 200 for the loss of just one wicket—a substantial improvement from their performance in the World Cup 2023 opener. He forged a crucial 115-run partnership with Jonny Bairstow, who contributed 52 runs before being bowled out by Shakib Al Hasan. Malan continued his solid batting alongside No. 3 Joe Root, who has begun the World Cup in exceptional form.

After reaching his century, Malan shifted into high gear, launching an aggressive attack on off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. He blazed through to 120 runs in just the 33rd over of the match. However, Malan eventually departed for a remarkable 140 off 107 balls in the 38th over, dismissed by off-spinner Mahedi.

Malan's outstanding performance has justified the selectors' decision to include him in the World Cup squad, especially after Jason Roy's last-minute injury forced him out. Although Malan managed only 14 runs in the World Cup opener against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, he regained his form in Dharamsala on a batting-friendly pitch.