Champions Trophy 2017: Root's ton guides England to victory

Joe Root scored an unbeaten 133 as England chased 306 with eight wickets in hand to register an easy win in the opening game of the 2017 Champions Trophy. He was ably supported by Alex Hales (95) and skipper Eoin Morgan (75 not out) as England showed why they are considered as one of the top contenders to win the title. Winning the toss and electing to field first, England bowled well to restrict Bangladesh to 305, especially after losing their strike bowler Chris Woakes to a side strain. The flat wicket with short boundaries always meant a big total was on the cards. Bangladesh, who started well, was disappointed that they could manage only 305. The visitors made a safe start with Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar (28) adding 56 runs for the opening wicket. Imrul Kayes (19) didn't score too many but the two senior pros, Tamim and Rahim then batted responsibly on a placid Oval track. The stylish Tamim hit 12 boundaries and three sixes in his innings while Rahim struck eight boundaries in his 72-ball knock. Tamim started on a cautious note getting his first boundary off 21st ball that he faced but didn't look back when he settled. Tamim scored a fluent century (128), and put up 166 run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim. But Bangladesh lost both the settled batsman in back-to-back deliveries, with Liam Plunkett getting the wickets. Plunkett finished with 4 wickets. Chasing the total, England didn't start well losing Jason Roy early. The opener's form might worry the English think-tank going ahead in tournament. But Root and Hales got together, and played some smart cricket. The second-wicket partnership was worth 159 for England. The required run-rate never jumped as both batsmen found the boundaries when required. Morgan at the other end was finding the boundaries at will en route to his 33rd half century.