Two weeks ago, when England suffered a demoralising defeat by South Africa, the idea of having their fate in their own hands going into the meeting with Bangladesh was a best-case scenario.
Once victories over India, New Zealand and Pakistan were completed, it never seemed likely that Bangladesh would pose a great threat, even if they did give a fright to Australia on this ground two days ago.
Indeed, in their first one-day international meeting with Bangladesh, England had complete control for the majority of the contest and head to the semi-finals with the momentum of four successive victories.
Along with the win needed to guarantee their progress, England may have been mindful of keeping their net run-rate high enough to avoid a last-four meeting with unbeaten Australia.
However, a full-throttle approach with the bat was made difficult by the worn pitch, and England needed to take care in the early stages before late impetus from Dunkley, Brunt and Ecclestone.
The target of 235 was more runs than Bangladesh had ever made in a one-day international, so the result was not in doubt at the interval.
In the end, India’s defeat by South Africa later on Sunday ensured net run-rate did not come into the equation and, with England finishing above West Indies, it could prove vital to be kept apart from Australia in the semis.