Bangladesh smile on Soumya-Riyad record stand

Bangladesh opener Soumya Sarkar and middle order batsman Mahmudullah Riyad today reached the milestone of highest partnership in any wicket against South Africa to gift the Tigers a huge 7-wicket victory over the Proteas.

The duo put 135 runs in the third wicket after the Tigers lost Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das in quick succession with just 24 runs in the scoreboard while chasing down a low target of 163 runs.

Mahmudullah picked up his first fifty against South Africa before being sent back by Kyle Abbott on the 27th over.

On the other hand, Soumya Sarkar remained unbeaten on 88 in 79 deliveries, also his personal best against South Africa.

Winning the toss to bat first, the Proteas struggled against a very organised and tight bowling attack from the host side, managing to post only 162 runs on the scoreboard before being all out within 46 overs.

Nineteen-year-old pacer Mustafizur Rahman and all-rounder Nasir Hossain bagged three wickets each to restrict the Proteas with their lowest total against the hosts.

In their chase, Tamim and Litton fell early simply giving away their wickets within 3.4 overs.

Coming down to the crease in such a critical situation, veteran Mahmudullah provided a solid support to opener Soumya, taking the scoreboard to 159 for two in 26.1 overs.

With only just four runs to level the 3-match series 1-1, a flick from Mahmudullah was easily taken by Protea skipper Hashim Amla.

Before this, Soumya and Mahmudullah partnership stood at 135 in 135 balls.

Earlier, the highest Bangladeshi partnership in any wicket against South Africa was 119 back in 2008.

Middle order batsman Raqibul Hasan and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan made the partnership to lift the Tigers from 18/4 to 137/5.

With Rakibul's 63 and Shakib's 45, the partnership helped Bangladesh post a low target of 174, but could not save the match. South Africa won that match by 7 wickets.