Advertisement
In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Bangladesh’s opener Soumya Sarkar scripted history by achieving his career-best ODI score of 169 off just 151 deliveries during the second ODI match against New Zealand in Nelson. His remarkable innings not only propelled Bangladesh to a total of 291 all out in 49.5 overs but also shattered legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s 14-year-old record.
At 30, Soumya’s breathtaking knock featured an impressive 22 boundaries and two maximums. His innings stands as the highest score by a Bangladesh men’s player away from home in an ODI and holds the record for the highest score in ODIs by a player from the sub-continent in New Zealand, surpassing Tendulkar’s 163* against the Kiwis in Christchurch in 2009.
This achievement also marks Bangladesh’s highest ODI score in New Zealand to date. Soumya’s innings, which concluded in the final over when he aimed to hit a William O’Rourke delivery for a boundary, now ranks as the second-best by a Bangladeshi in ODIs, following Liton Das’ 176 against Zimbabwe.
Advertisement
Also Read: 2nd ODI: Tony de Zorzi’s ton after clinical bowling helps South Africa beat India by 8 wickets
Despite facing challenges early in the match, losing their first three wickets within the 10-over mark, Bangladesh staged a remarkable comeback. Soumya found support in wicket-keeper/batter Mushfiqur Rahim, contributing 45 (57) in a partnership of 91. Even after Mushfiqur’s dismissal, Soumya Sarkar pressed on, reaching the 200-mark and accelerating the scoring rate.
The innings also witnessed notable performances from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (19) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (13), although New Zealand’s ODI debutant leg-spinner Adithya Ashok and young talent William O’Rourke posed challenges with impressive bowling figures.
O’Rourke, in particular, finished with 3/47, claiming 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).
-IANS
