CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh tail-enders Shafiul Islam and Mahmudullah became the toast of the nation on Friday after steering their team to a stunning two-wicket World Cup win over England.
The co-hosts looked to be probably heading out of the competition when they collapsed to 169-8 chasing 225 to win on a tricky wicket.
But Shafiul decided attack was the best way ahead and he blasted 24 in as many balls to see his team over the line for the unlikeliest of wins as the home crowd went wild.
Earlier, Jonathan Trott top-scored for England with 67 backed up by Eoin Morgan (63) to help their side recover from a poor start in the Group B clash.
The result was an amazing turnaround for the home side who were skittled for just 58 against West Indies a week ago in Dhaka before losing by nine wickets.
Mahmudullah (21) and Shafiul added 58 runs in their unbroken ninth wicket to take their team to victory with an over left.
Bangladesh had been apparently cruising towards victory thanks to solid innings from Imrul Kayes (60) and Tamim Iqbal (38).
But they suddenly lost momentum with the victory in sight as five wickets tumbled for 14 runs before Shafiul and Mahmudullah rescued their country.
England now need to win their final match against the West Indies (March 17) to be sure of a quarter-final place while Bangladesh next face Netherlands on Monday and then South Africa on March 19. Wins would take them through.
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