Soumya Sarkar is ecstatic about his sublime innings that helped to end Bangladesh’s eight-year wait for a win against South Africa and guaranteed a berth in the 2017 Champions Trophy.
Published : 13 Jul 2015, 02:53 AM
He was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his unbeaten 88 off 79 balls that powered the Tigers to a series-levelling seven-wicket win at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.
It was their first win against the Proteas, and second overall in an ODI, after the 2007 World Cup in West Indies.
The 22-year old was desperate to stay in the wicket this time after failing to convert starts.
"Big innings always bring relief. I started well several times before but couldn’t finish well. I wanted to stay at the wicket until the end today,” Soumya
"Everyone, even the younger ones, was saying that a big innings is needed. So the knock is definitely relieving.”
Soumya’s highest score is an unbeaten 127 against Pakistan. Apart from that, he has three other half-centuries in 15 one-day innings.
He has failed to reach double figures on just one occasion, while in his 10 other innings, he was dismissed inside 17 to 40.
His losing concentration after getting starts drew criticism.
The destructive opener is keen to come to press conferences by playing knocks like this.
"I wouldn’t be here if I scored 30 or 40. I am here because I did well. I will always try to do well.”
Chasing a paltry 163 to win, Bangladesh lost two early wickets.
Soumya then took charge and strung together a 135-run partnership with Mahmudullah, Bangladesh’s highest against South Africa for any wicket.
Soumya is happier with this performance than his century against Pakistan.
"I will put this innings ahead as change of plans were required for it. I had to handle the situation after losing quick wickets.
"I held myself back from playing one or two shots. I thought not playing some shots may bring positive result."
And it did as the left-handed batsman helped Bangladesh blaze to the target in the 28th over to underline their authority in the match.
Soumya hammered 13 boundaries and a six to be adjudged the Man-of-the-Match.
"Pakistan bowlers bowled a bad ball in every over. But South African bowlers are much more professional. They don’t bowl bad balls. We had to work hard for our runs."
The Satkhira man, however, enjoyed speaking of his partnership with Mahmudullah.
Despite his graceful techniques, the senior man’s body language on the field can be funny sometimes.
“We didn’t discuss anything separately. After the World Cup, whenever (Mahmudullah) comes to bat, it makes me laugh. I laugh whenever he gets on the field."
“When he came to the wicket, I told him that everything was okay. Whatever he tells me I take it very well. He understands my batting well too.”