In a stunning display of skill and determination, Bangladesh opener Soumya Sarkar made cricket history by breaking the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s 14-year-old record during the second ODI match against New Zealand in Nelson on Wednesday.
Sarkar’s outstanding performance saw him amass a remarkable 169 runs with a striking strike rate of 111.92 from 151 balls. In a dominating first inning, the left-handed batsman dismantled the Kiwi bowling assault with an impressive tally of 22 fours and two sixes.
The 30-year-old cricketer’s achievement goes beyond his individual brilliance, as he surpassed Tendulkar’s record for the most runs by a player from the subcontinent in ODIs in New Zealand. Tendulkar, known as the ‘Master Blaster,’ had set the previous milestone in Christchurch back in 2009, delivering an unbeaten 163-run knock that left the Kiwis in awe.
Sarkar’s feat not only marks a personal triumph but also cements his place in the annals of cricket history. As the cricketing world marvels at this record-breaking performance, fans eagerly anticipate further exploits from the Bangladeshi opener on the international stage.
In a riveting clash at the Saxton Oval, Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar not only etched his name in the record books with the highest individual score for any Bangladeshi cricketer on an away ground in ODIs but also emerged as the lone standout performer in a game where New Zealand opted to field after winning the toss.
Sarkar’s spectacular innings of 169 runs from 151 balls showcased his prowess, standing head and shoulders above his teammates. In a challenging first inning, the left-handed opener’s dominance was unparalleled, as none of his compatriots managed to breach the 50-run mark. In the middle order, wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim played a crucial role, contributing 45 runs from 57 balls to guide the ‘Bengal Tigers’ to a competitive total of 291 points.
On the flip side, the Kiwi bowling duo of William O’Rourke and Jacob Duffy spearheaded a formidable attack, each claiming three wickets during their respective spells. The relentless effort from the New Zealand bowlers saw Adithya Ashok, Josh Clarkson, and Adam Milne chipping in with one wicket each, putting pressure on the Bangladeshi batting lineup.
As the Saxton Oval witnessed a captivating contest between bat and ball, Soumya Sarkar’s outstanding performance stood out as a beacon of individual brilliance in an otherwise challenging outing for the ‘Bengal Tigers.’ The stage is now set for a gripping second inning, as both teams strive for supremacy in this enthralling ODI encounter.
