Soumya, Saif power Bangladesh to 296-8 in 3rd ODI

resolutely to help Bangladesh amass a challenging 296-8 in the third and final ODI against West Indies at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

But Bangladesh left the ground, knowing that they squandered a golden chance to post anything closer to 350-mark in what turned out to be a series-deciding match.

Soumya struck 86 ball-91 with seven fours and four sixes while Saif who registered his maiden 50 was finally dismissed on 80 after playing 72 balls and smashing six fours and as many sixes.

Soumya and Saif put on a 176 off just 152 balls in their opening stand after Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and opted to bat first.

Since their partnership, Bangladesh scored just 120 off the remaining 148 deliveries, losing eight wickets.
 
Akeal Hosain who scripted West Indies' breathtaking Super Over victory in the second game to level the series once again tormented Bangladesh by claiming his career-best 4-41. He was ably supported by Alick Athanaze's 2-37.

But they were largely neutralized when Soumya and Saif were batting in a pitch that appeared to be better than the previous two matches. The bounce was even and balls came to the bat nicely while the spinners got enough turn, making it an evenly contested match.

Both Saif and Soumya played their shots at will to make the bowlers disarray right from the start.

Saif's maiden fifty came in style off just 44 balls as he smashed Gudakesh Motie a boundary through fine leg.

He looked well set to earn his maiden century also but a miss hit against Roston Chase cost his wicket finally.

That looked to distract Soumya as he also perished to a big shot, giving Akeal his first wicket in the match.

West Indies bowlers then strangled Bangladesh despite the resistance from Najmul Hossain Shanto who made 44. 

But Bangladesh, at the same time, were aided by West Indies' sloppy fielding.

Shanto and Towhid Hriody, 28, cashed in on wayward fielding to add further 50 runs.
 
But Athanze removed both of the set batters in quick succession before Akeal claimed three wickets in an over, effectively denying Bangladesh a 300-plus total, reports BSS.