Super Sarkar leads Tigers to whitewash

Cricket365
April 25, 2015

Bangladesh have recorded a historic ODI whitewash over Pakistan, winning the third ODI in Dhaka by eight wickets thanks to a maiden century from Soumya Sarkar, which negated Azhar Ali's ton.

Before this series, the Tigers had only beaten Pakistan once, all the way back in 1999, and now they have three wins in less than a week. Sarkar's 127 not out saw the hosts chase down the 251 required in 39.3 overs.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat, which seemed a good idea at the time, as openers Azhar and debutant Sami Aslam put on 91 together. The fact that the rest of the order squandered the good start, and Azhar's ton, will be galling for the skipper.

Aslam was out for 45 to Nasir Hossain, and Mohammad Hafeez followed soon afterwards, bowled by Arafat Sunny for four. A few batsmen were out on that score actually, including Mohammad Rizwan, Fawad Alam and Junaid Khan.

The wickets tumbled after Azhar was out for 101, with Mashrafe Mortaza, Sunny, Rubel Hossain and Shakib-al-Hasan all taking two each. The final wicket fell with an over to spare.

The chase was an easy and brisk one, as Sarkar and Tamim Iqbal recorded a century stand. Tamim used 76 balls for his 64 before being trapped LB by Junaid, who also removed Mahmudullah soon afterwards.

Those were the only wickets to fall though, as Sarkar and Mushfiqur Rahim ensured the victory. Sarkar's ton came off 94 balls and included four sixes, while Rahim ended the game on 49 not out.