Soumya's patience pays off

When Soumya Sarkar lofted Shafiul Islam for a boundary over cover in the 16th over yesterday he reached his first half-century in his last 18 outings. While the left-hander didn't seem to celebrate the fifty, there's no doubt that he would have been relieved.

The last time Soumya posted a 50-plus score was back in July when he hammered a fierce 90 against South Africa and led Bangladesh home in the very same ground, the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

However, things haven't been too rosy for the left-hander since that match. In between yesterday's game and the South Africa series, Soumya featured in a number of games for Bangladesh A, besides the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches. His highest score in those 17 knocks was 43, which he posted against Karnataka in September.

His innings yesterday seemed a lot more polished, as the left-hander displayed a more patient approach.

"We had a smaller target, so I tried to stay at the wicket till the very end. I told myself that I wouldn't leave the wicket early today. That's all I tried to do," said Soumya at the post-match press conference.

"I played fewer shots as well. I think the reason behind that was that I couldn't play more than ten balls in any of the last five matches. Today my target was to play as many balls as possible," he added.

According to Soumya, the change in his approach yesterday was his way of deciphering what he had been doing wrong thus far.

"I have been trying to figure out what I did wrong in the last few matches. I think I was just hurrying a bit too much because I thought I needed to score quick runs in T20 cricket. I think it will be good for me if I can get out of that mindset.

"I think I faced a similar problem earlier when I used to get out for just 20s and 30s in ODI cricket. I just need to spend some more time [at the crease]," said Soumya.

"There was never any pressure on me from the team as such. But I felt a bit of pressure because I wasn't doing well. I am still not satisfied with myself. I think I should have made the most of my starts in the last five matches," added the 22-year-old.

The left-hander further said that the BPL would be a good opportunity for the national players to strike form ahead of the Asia Cup T20 and the ICC World T20.