HONG KONG, Oct. 31 — Overcoming narrow one-wicket defeats in their opening two outings, Bangladesh produced an explosive batting display against South Africa in the Hong Kong International Sixes on Saturday, highlighted by seven consecutive sixes across two overs to post a commanding total of 129 runs.
The fireworks commenced immediately courtesy of dynamic opener Habibur Rahman Sohan, who dominated bowling lines from the opening over despite an early exit by Sabbir Rahman, who was dismissed for seven off six deliveries with the team total at 52.
The defining moment came during the fourth over delivered by South African bowler Blake Simpson. Facing the initial two balls, Sohan launched successive deliveries over the boundary ropes to complete a scintillating 13-ball half-century (54 runs), prompting his mandatory tournament retirement under competition rules.
Incoming batter Mrittunjoy Chowdhury maintained the relentless onslaught, dispatching the remaining four deliveries of the over into the stands to complete a rare six-sixes over. Bangladesh captain Abu Hider Rony compounded South Africa’s misery by sending the first ball of the fifth over over the ropes, cementing a rare sequence of seven consecutive sixes across consecutive overs.
Bangladesh closed their five-over innings at an imposing 129 runs. Mrittunjoy provided late-order fireworks with 26 off just six balls before departing, enabling Sohan to return to the crease alongside skipper Rony, who remained unbeaten on an aggressive 28 off ten deliveries.