Sarkar hits superb century for Bangladesh, New Zealand chase 292

English Woman's Journal - Sarkar hits superb century for Bangladesh, New Zealand chase 292

SPORTS 20.12.2023

Sarkar hits superb century for Bangladesh, New Zealand chase 292 / Photo: Marty MELVILLE - AFP

Opener Soumya Sarkar hit 169 off 151 balls Wednesday as his superb innings helped Bangladesh recover from losing early wickets to reach 291 all out in the second one-day international against New Zealand.

Change text size:

New Zealand are 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series after a 44-run win in the opener last Sunday in Dunedin.

Bangladesh hope to level the series by ending a miserable streak, having lost all their 17 previous 50-over matches on New Zealand soil.

After being bowled for a duck in Dunedin, Sarkar bounced back in Nelson to pepper the boundary with 22 fours and two sixes.

It was the second-highest ODI tally by a Bangladesh batter, just short of the 176 Litton Das scored against Zimbabwe in March 2020.

Sarkar held his nerve as the Black Caps bowlers struck hard, taking three early wickets. Seamer Jacob Duffy claimed two for just 15 runs when he had Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das caught.

With Bangladesh wobbling at 44-3, Sarkar steadied the ship alongside Towhid Hridoy to steer the visitors to 80-4 for the fourth wicket.

Sarkar hit out during a lucrative partnership with veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim for the fifth in a 91-run stand.

They pushed Bangladesh out to a respectable 171-5 after 34 overs before Rahim edged his shot into the gloves of New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.

Just before claiming his third century in ODI cricket, Sarkar lived dangerously when his skied shot was fumbled by Will Young at point.

Sarkar belted consecutive fours in the 43rd over as New Zealand debutant Adithya Ashok took his first ODI wicket when he had Mehidy Hasan Miraz caught.

The stunning knock inspired Sarkar's teammates, including debutant Rishad Hossain, who hit a six with his first shot in ODI cricket.

Sarkar finally departed in the 49th over when seamer William O'Rourke had him caught behind, the first of three wickets the New Zealand bowler took in the final six balls.

L.Ross--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Sarkar hits superb century for Bangladesh, New Zealand chase 292