Record stand goes in vain

Sharmin Akhter and Rumana Ahmed contributed a record 127-run stand after a four-wicket haul by Khadija Tul Kubra but their efforts went in vain as the Bangladesh women's cricket team lost the second ODI of the five-match series to their South African counterparts at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox's Bazar yesterday.

The visitors took a 2-0 lead in the series as the hosts finished their 50-over quota for 206 runs courtesy of the brilliant third-wicket partnership in reply to South Africa's 223 runs, which the visitors scored riding on a 115-run opening partnership between Lizelle Lee (70) and Andrie Steyn (66).

In chase, Bangladesh lost two quick wickets but Sharmin and Rumana revived hopes. The third wicket partnership was broken when captain Rumana was dismissed for a 95-ball 68 in 42.2 overs.

Sharmin, who made 74 off 127 balls, departed soon after as the team stumbled in chase of the target.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SOUTH AFRICA: 223 all out in 49 overs (Lee 70, Steyn 66; Kubra 4-56)

BANGLADESH: 206-8 in 50 overs (Sharmin 74, Rumana 68; Kapp 2-41, Luus 2-31)

Result: South Africa won by 17 runs.

Player-of-the-match: Lizelle Lee.