NELSON, New Zealand: Opener Soumya Sarkar’s outstanding performance catapulted Bangladesh to a formidable total in their second ODI against New Zealand in Nelson.
Despite a recent lean spell in ODIs and being excluded from Bangladesh’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 squad, the left-hander smashed an impressive 169 (151), including 22 boundaries and two sixes.
This stellar innings by the 30-year-old not only marked the highest score by a Bangladesh men’s player away from home in an ODI but also stands as the highest in ODIs by a player from the sub-continent in New Zealand, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 163* against the Kiwis in Christchurch in 2009. Notably, Bangladesh’s total of 291 is their highest ODI score in New Zealand.
Soumya Sarkar has produced one of Bangladesh's greatest innings of all time in the second #NZvBAN ODI 🔥
📝 https://t.co/KV5CY0xN4q pic.twitter.com/5ijAX1bfyg
— ICC (@ICC) December 20, 2023
At the start, Bangladesh faced early setbacks, losing three wickets within the initial 10 overs. Despite losing a fourth partner, Towhid Hridoy (12), during the rebuilding phase, Soumya found support in wicket-keeper/batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who contributed 45 (57) in a crucial partnership of 91.
Following Mushfiqur’s dismissal to Jacob Duffy (3/51 from 10 overs), Soumya elevated his game to steer his team past the 200-run mark. He increased his scoring pace, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz (19) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (13) tried to contribute.
New Zealand’s ODI debutant leg-spinner Adithya Ashok claimed Mehidy’s wicket, showcasing an impressive performance despite concluding with figures of 1/63 from 10 overs. Another young talent, William O’Rourke, wrapped up the innings with 3/47 (9.5), taking all three wickets in the final over and preventing Soumya from surpassing Litton Das’ record of the highest ODI score by a Bangladesh player (176 in Sylhet against Zimbabwe in 2020).
