Bangladesh opener Saif Hassan credited his partner Soumya Sarkar for helping him through illness during their record opening partnership in the third One Day International against the West Indies in Mirpur.
Saif scored a career-best 80 off 72 balls, hitting six fours and six sixes, while battling fever. Alongside Soumya, he added 176 runs for the first wicket, Bangladesh’s highest opening stand in ODIs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Speaking to a television channel after the match, Saif said, “Dada (Soumya) helped me a lot. I had been suffering from a cold and fever for three days. I have played with him several times before, for the ‘A’ team and for Rangpur in the BPL. I always feel comfortable batting with him.”
Although Saif missed out on his maiden ODI century, he admitted to feeling disappointed but prioritised the team’s success. “Of course, I am disappointed not to get the century,” he said. “Both of us were set and playing comfortably. But the most important thing is that we contributed to the team and won the match. I will definitely try to take the opportunity if I get into a similar situation in the future.”
Soumya, who himself fell for 91 from 86 balls with seven fours and four sixes, praised his opening partner for his courage and composure. “He (Saif) batted really well,” Soumya said. “His shot selection was excellent, and whenever he felt uncomfortable, he discussed it. Although he was having trouble breathing, he stayed at the crease for a long time, and he deserves full credit for that.”
Bangladesh went on to post 296 runs before bowling out the West Indies for 117, sealing a dominant 179-run victory and winning the series 2–1.
