by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
Bangladesh’s struggles in New Zealand continued as they were defeated by the Black Caps in the second ODI despite a valiant effort from Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar’s knock of 169 was the highest individual score of the match, but Bangladesh’s middle order failed to capitalize on his platform, eventually falling short by seven wickets.
New Zealand’s bowlers were disciplined throughout the innings, taking key wickets at crucial junctures. Jacob Duffy and William O’ Rourke shared six wickets between them, while Adam Milne, Adithya Ashok and Josh Clarkson chipped in with one scalp each. In reply, New Zealand batters Will Young and Henry Nicholls laid a solid foundation with a 128-run stand. Nicholls went on to score 95, while Rachin Ravindra and Will Young scored useful contributions to see the Black Caps home without much fuss.
The win gives New Zealand a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, and they will be looking to clean sweep the visitors in the final ODI. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to find a way to overcome their batting woes if they are to avoid a 3-0.
