Bowlers, Soumya shine as Bangladesh level series

DHAKA: Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah struck half-centuries after Bangladesh dismissed South Africa cheaply, crushing the Proteas by seven wickets in the second one-day international to tie the three-match series in Dhaka Sunday.

Soumya hit a stroke-filled unbeaten 88 while Mahmudullah made 50 as Bangladesh raced to 167-3 with more than 22 overs in hand, keeping Bangladesh in the series after Friday´s first game loss.

Earlier the home team made swift work of the visitors, bowling with heart for 162 runs in 46 overs, effectively making the contest a one-sided affair.

Kagiso Rabada, who had set a new one-day debut bowling record in the previous match, raised hopes when he bowled out Tamim Iqbal (five) and Litton Das (17).

But Soumya and Mahmudullah stood firm for a 135-run third wicket stand as the Tigers carried the game safely in front of packed stadium.

Soumya, who faced 79 balls and hit 13 fours and a six, swept Imran Tahir over the mid wicket fence to complete the emphatic victory -- only Bangladesh´s second against South Africa in 16 ODIs.

The win, which followed Bangladesh´s steady progress in one-day rankings, also cemented their place in the eight-team ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in England in 2017.

Only the hosts and seven other top-ranked ODI teams are eligible to qualify for the tournament.

The third and final match of the series will be held in Chittagong on July 15. (AFP)