Soumya Sarkar justified his recall to the Test squad with a 86-run innings as Bangladesh made 289 in the first innings of the second Test in Christchurch on Friday.
Back in the Test fold after almost two years, Soumya was tasked with the responsibility to open the innings with Tamim Iqbal in the absence of the injured Imrul Kayes. And he vindicated the decision with an attacking innings, his 86 coming in just 104 balls, studded with 11 fours.
Put into bat first, the visitors had lost Tamim Iqbal (5) and Mahmudullah (19) on just 38, but Soumya and Shakib Al Hasan then made 127 in the third wicket to steady the ship.
The Tigers' charge was derailed with the fall of Soumya and in less than three overs he was joined in the dressing room by Shakib and Sabbir Rahman.
Shakib was the team's second highest scorer, making 59 in 78 balls with nine fours. Debutant Nurul Hasan then played a patient 47 to take the visitors close to 300 while Kamrul Islam Rabbi (2) displayed a great example of grit, facing 63 balls.
Rubel Hossain hit three fours late in the innings before Kamrul was trapped leg before the wicket by Tim Southee to put an end to the Tigers' innings.
Southee and his strike ball partner Trent Boult were in great form, the duo bagging five and four wickets respectively. Neil Wagner claimed the remaining one.
Although there were a few overs left for the day, the hosts will resume their innings on Saturday as the Tigers aim to salvage some pride in the last game of the tour.
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