Twitter Reactions: Soumya Sarkar's ton goes in vain as New Zealand take unassailable 2-0 lead in ODI series

New Zealand won the rain-curtailed first ODI of a three-match series against Bangladesh comprehensively last week. As a result, the second game on Wednesday, December 20, became a do-or-die affair for the visitors. However, despite a fine century from Soumya Sarkar, Bangladesh ended up on the losing side as the Blackcaps won the encounter by seven wickets with 22 balls to spare.s 

Earlier in the day, Kiwi skipper Tom Latham won the toss and opted to field first. Bangladesh opener Soumya Sarkar, who departed for a duck in the first ODI, played a scintillating knock at the Saxton Oval, Nelson, as he hit 169 runs off 151 balls, belting 22 fours and two sixes. However, the top order faltered as Anamul Haque, Litton Das, and Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto perished for single-digit scores.

After losing the first three wickets for 44 runs, Soumya and Towhid Hridoy played well in unison in a bid to resurrect the innings. They stitched a 36-run partnership before Hridoy was run-out by Josh Clarkson. At 80/4, Bangladesh were staring down the barrel. However, the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim joined forces with Soumya and they put on a 91-run stand to give the tourists a decent platform.

Mushfiqur departed for a well-compiled 45 but Soumya didn't hold back. The left-handed batter formed enterprising partnerships with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Rishad Hossain before Bangladesh were bowled out for 291 in 49.5 overs.

New Zealand batters make light work of run-chase

The New Zealand opening pair of Will Young and Rachin Ravindra started strongly on a pitch that didn't have any demons. They added 76 runs before the southpaw departed for a 33-ball 45. A partnership of 128 runs from 131 balls between Henry Nicholls and Young sealed the fate of the match. The latter was dismissed by Hasan Mahmud for a 94-ball 89. 

Nicholls also missed a well-deserved century as he fell five runs short of the magical three-figure mark. Tom Blundell and Latham completed the formalities as the hosts won comfortably in the end to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Here's how 'X' users reacted to New Zealand defeating Bangladesh in the second ODI: