In the second One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at Saxton Oval in Nelson yesterday, Bangladesh lost badly by seven wickets against New Zealand. The only encouraging news was Soumya Sarkar’s first century in international cricket in five years.
Bangladesh reached their highest-ever ODI total of 291 against the Kiwis in New Zealand thanks to Soumya’s career-best 169 off 151 deliveries, the greatest score by an Asian hitter in ODIs played in New Zealand.
However, the Kiwis chased the goal in 46.2 overs as the total proved terribly inadequate in the batting-friendly conditions in Nelson.
Aside from Soumya, the Tigers’ other noteworthy batting performance came from veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored 45.
The game was decided by the disparity in the two teams’ top-order hitters’ performances.
Other than Soumya, Bangladesh’s top-order batsmen Anamul Haque, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Liton Das all left for single-digit scores.
Unlike Bangladesh’s innings, every New Zealand top-order batsman made a substantial contribution; opener Will Young made 89 and top-scoring Henry Nicholls scored 95.
With no penetration on a level pitch, the Bangladeshi bowling attack appeared unfazed by the host batsmen either.
Afif Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman were replaced by pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, respectively, in a couple of changes made by the team management from the first ODI. However, they both had a typical day at the bat and failed to score any runs.
The loss gives New Zealand an unbeatable 2-0 lead, making the third game of the series meaningless.
Bangladesh will play for pride and to break their 18-match losing streak in ODIs in New Zealand against the hosts in the third ODI on Saturday in Napier. Bangladesh has already lost the ODI series.