Smashing his career-best knock of unbeaten 96, Towhid Hridoy propelled the Tigers to a fighting total of 286 in the second ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka on Friday in Chattogram.
Bangladesh were sent to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss. The hosts again suffered a devastating early blow when Litton Das fell early for a duck. However, Soumya Sarkar and captain Najmul Hossain Shanot made sure that the top order would not crumble, adding 75 runs in the second wicket stand.
They carefully built the foundation. Shanto fell for 40 off 39 balls. He got a great start but failed to carry on. Following his dismissal, Soumya and Towhid put up a partnership of 55 runs before Soumya fell prey to Wanindu Hasaranga for 68.
Bangladesh endured a double blow as Mahmudullah Riyad returned a duck off three balls following the dismissal of Soumya.
Towhid was firm at the other end of the wicket. He moved on slowly and hit his seventh fifty in ODIs. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz both got their starts but were disappointed to end up playing big innings.
Tanzim Hasan partnered Towhid well, scoring 18 runs off 33 balls. After Tanzim was dismissed, Taskin Ahmed came in and scored some quick runs. In the last five overs, Bangladesh scored 54 runs, thanks to six sixes— five from Towhid.
Eventually, Towhid was unbeaten for 96, while Taskin was not out for 18.
For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga took four wickets, conceding 45 runs, while Dilshan Madushanka took two wickets.