Sarkar was named Man of the Match for his spectacular knock of 90
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Bangladesh opener Soumya Sarkar smashed a quickfire 90, while his opening partner Tamim Iqbal made an unbeaten 61 to not only lead their side to a convincing nine-wicket win via the Duckworth-Lewis method, but also help them clinch the series 2-1.
However, South Africa all-rounder Jean-Paul (JP) Duminy deserves some credit as he scored a gusty 51.
Proteas skipper Hashim Amla would have been mulling over his decision to bat first after his side were reduced to 76/4 before the heavens parted.
Following a three-hour delay, the match resumed, but the number of overs had been cut down to 40 per side.
South Africa, with the exception of David Miller and Duminy, were unable to push on, as they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
Miller ended up scoring 44 before he was dismissed, while Duminy helped South Africa reach 168 with his knock of 51, which came off 70 balls and included three boundaries.
Duminy scored a valiant 51
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Shakib Al Hasan was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain snapped up two wickets apiece and Mahmudullah and captain Mashrafe Mortaza claimed one wicket each.
Chasing 170 to win due to the Duckworth-Lewis method, Sarkar and Iqbal nearly sealed the deal themselves as they amassed a 154-run partnership, during which both batsman surpassed their half-centuries, before Sarkar was caught by Amla at short cover off the bowling of Imran Tahir.
Sarkar’s superb innings of 90 came off 75 deliveries and included 13 boundaries and a six.
Iqbal and Litton Das mopped up the remaining runs to lead Bangladesh to victory with 83 balls to spare.
Iqbal ended up making 61 off 77 balls, which included seven boundaries, while Das finished on five off five deliveries, which included one boundary.
Iqbal hit seven boundaries during his unbeaten 61
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Tahir was the only bowler to take a wicket.
Amla was not impressed with his side’s performance, and said: “Very disappointing, indeed. We misjudged the conditions but credit to Bangladesh. We were rusty and we haven’t played good cricket. We have got a good idea of what the wickets would be. Test cricket is a different ball game. We will regroup and come back in the Tests. The Test guys have flown in.”
Mortaza was ecstatic to have won the series, and said: “After losing the first match, it was difficult to come back in the second. The boys played brilliantly in the third match. The way Soumya was batting was nice to see. Mustafiz has become a very good fast bowler. Tamim showed his character as well. It was brilliant. The boys have got some confidence and also I would like to thank South Africa. Thanks to the crowd, keep supporting us.”
Sarkar was named Man of the Match and Man of the Series.