Twin centurion Morgan enters record books

EOIN Morgan became the first player to hit centuries for two countries, guiding England to a two-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second one-day international yesterday.

Morgan, who began his international career with Ireland, steadied his side with a fine unbeaten 110 to thwart Bangladesh's hopes of a first win over England.

England, who take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, won with seven balls to spare after overhauling the home side's 260 for six. Left-arm spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Abdur Razzak shared three wickets each but Morgan held his nerve after a late collapse. Morgan had shared a 90-run fifth wicket stand with Matt Prior (42) but England lost wickets in quick succession to be struggling on 229 for eight.

Morgan ended Bangladeshi hopes though, finishing the game in style with a six to midwicket off paceman Shafiul Islam, who conceded 16 runs in the 49th over.

Wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim and opener Imrul Kayes provided the backbone in the Bangladesh innings with a 90-run partnership for the third wicket. Rahim made 76 while Kayes scored 63. The Dublin-born Morgan did not even celebrate his century, only betraying emotion after sealing victory with a mighty six off Shafiul Islam.

"The 100 certainly wasn't something I was thinking about I must say," said Morgan. "It was all about the short boundary and where I was going to hit it. But it's my first 100 for England and that is obviously a great experience."

Bangladesh had got off to the perfect start when Shafiul dismissed Craig Kieswetter with the third ball of the reply. The crowd's noise levels spiked when Kevin Pietersen fell for 18.

England captain Alastair Cook was the next to fall, out for 60 to Shakib.

With the score on 198, Prior became slow Razzak's third lbw victim for 42. With ten overs remaining, England required 61. They had 23 of them when Luke Wright, on seven, was needlessly bowled by Shakib looking for a six. Only one more was added before Mahmudullah sent Tim Bresnan back for a duck.

The batting powerplay was automatically enforced for the final five overs with 35 still needed. Shakib clean bowled Graeme Swann for two in the 46th. Sixteen were then needed off 12 balls but Morgan brushed aside the pressure to hit two fours and a big six to win it. The third match of the series will be held in Chittagong on 5 March.