Tigers square ODI series 1-1 with Proteas

Sports Reporter :The roaring Tigers squared the three-match ODI series 1-1 with the in-form South Africa after thrashing them by seven wickets in the second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.Bangladesh made a meagre start as they lost their early two wickets for 24 runs.Chasing South Africa’s paltry total of 162 off 46 overs, Bangladesh sailed home making 167 for the loss three wickets with 134 balls remaining.Earlier, Bangladesh lost to the Proteas by eight wickets in the first ODI at the same venue on July 10. Opener Tamim Iqbal was bowled out by Kagiso Rabada for just five runs.Then one-down Liton Das (17) was bowled out by Rabada when Bangladesh’s score was 24 for the loss of two wickets.Later, Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah Riyad salvaged their team from danger contributing together 135 runs for the third wicket partnership.Soumya Sarkar remained undefeated with 88. His 79-ball sparkle innings was laced with 13 fours and a sixer. It was Sarkar’s third ODI half century. Soumya Sarkar was adjudged the Man of the Match for his match-winning innings.Mahmudullah Riyad made an exact 50. He hit six boundaries in his 64-ball innings before he was caught by Hashim Amla off Kyle Abbott when Bangladesh’s score was 159 for the loss of three wickets. It was Mahmudullah Riyad’s 13th ODI half century.After departure of Riyad, Shakib Al Hasan cane at the crease but Soumya completed the entertaining victory by hitting a six. Shakib remained undefeated with naught.Earlier, the bowlers of Bangladesh dominated over their African counterpart. Especially, spinner Nasir Hossain and ‘Wonder Boy’ pacer Mustafizur Rahman who captured three wickets for 26 and 38 runs respectively. Promising pacer Rubel Hossain gave them a good support in demolishing Proteas’ innings bagging two wickets at the cost of 34 runs.Besides, Mahmudullah Riyad and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza took one wicket apiece.Later, Kagiso Rabada restored some parity for the tourists claiming two wickets for 45 runs.