Sarkar celebrates upon bringing up his half-century

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Bangladesh had a day to remember as they produced a stunning all-round performance to not only stun South Africa by seven wickets, but also book their spot in the 2017 Champions Trophy.

Mustafizur Rahman and Nasir Hossain starred with the ball for Bangladesh as they took three wickets apiece, while opener Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah excelled with the bat as they scored 88 not out and 50 respectively.

South Africa captain Hashim Amla would have been mulling over his decision to bowl first as all the batsmen either threw their wickets away after promising starts or failed to get out of the starting blocks.

The only two batsmen to have some kind of an impact were Faf du Plessis, who made 41, and Farhaan Behardien, who mustered 36 runs.

Since none of the other batsmen put up a fight, South Africa were eventually bowled out for a dismal 161.

Rahman and Hossain picked up three wickets apiece, while Rubel Hossain snapped up two and Mahmudullah and skipper Mashrafe Mortaza chipped in with one wicket each.

Chasing 162 to win, Bangladesh lost Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das early on before Sarkar and Mahmudullah amassed a 135-run stand, during which both batsmen registered their half-centuries.

The partnership was finally brought to an end when Mahmudullah was caught by Amla at short midwicket off the bowling of Kyle Abbott.

Mahmudullah’s solid knock of 50 came off 64 balls and included six boundaries.

Mahmudullah hit six boundaries during his knock of 50

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Sarkar and Shakib Al Hasan mopped up the remaining runs to help Bangladesh level the series at 1-1.

Sarkar ended up finishing on 88 off 79 deliveries, which included 13 boundaries and a six.

Kagiso Rabada was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Abbott claimed one.

Amla was not impressed with his side’s performance, and said: “It was not a 160 wicket, we had a really bad day and did not apply ourselves. Credit to Bangladesh. The key on this wicket is to get in and make it count. We did not do that today. We had a chance when they were 20 for 2 but Soumya played well. Rabada is a wonderful talent. Hopefully, he goes from strength [to strength]. 160 is difficult to defend.”

Mortaza was ecstatic to have levelled the series and qualified for the 2017 Champions Trophy, and said: “This was a much-needed win. The last eight months we have been playing well, we lost last four matches but we have come back. The toss is becoming a concern in Bangladesh but the bowlers restricted them. The way Mustafiz bowled was fantastic to see. Nasir delivered and Shakib is a big player. It is a good sign for us and the batters stepped up as well. After coming back from injury, Mahmudullah did well and hopefully he will continue. As long as our process is right, we will play well.”

Sarkar was named Man of the Match.