Bangladesh thrash South Africa by 9 wickets to clinch ODI series

Soumya Sarkar hammered all the South African bowlers

First, the Bangladeshi bowlers ripped South Africa's batting line-up apart to restrict them to 168 for 9 (40 overs). Then, their batsmen thrashed the Proteas bowlers to chase down the paltry target in just 26.1 overs. The home team won the series with a resounding nine-wicket victory over the visitors – thus re-inforcing their emergence as a powerful force in limited overs cricket.

Bangladesh didn't leave a single stone unturned today. After back-to-back series victories over Pakistan and India, it was South Africa's turn to face the Tigers' heat.

After losing early wickets, the Proteas' middle order consisting of David Miller and JP Duminy managed to take the team total to 168 in 40 overs. Due to rain, there was a loss of 10 overs in both the innings. But Miller's 44 and Duminy's 51 were not enough tonight to hold the Tigers back.

For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan was the top wicket-taker with his three wickets. Rubel Hossain and the hero of the first two ODIs – Mustazifur Rahman – picked two wickets each.

The home team's opening pair was enough to create history. Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar played brilliant innings of 52 and 90 runs respectively to bring home the laurels for their team. Sarkar in particular attacked the South African bowlers mercilessly, and he got out after partnering Tamim in a massive 154-run partnership.

The stage was all set, and with just 15 runs needed to win Litton Das joined the party to clinch the match and series victory in partnership with Iqbal. Bangladesh’s final score was 170 for the loss of only 1 wicket, which was enough for their first ever series victory over South Africa.

Sarkar was presented the Man-of-the-Match as well as the Man-of-the-series award for his brilliant run throughout the three ODIs.