||CF Correspondent ||

A sterling all-rounder performance by Soumya Sarkar helped Bangladesh Emerging Team record a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan Emerging side in the second semifinal game of ACC Emerging Teams Cup at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on  Thursday.

Soumya struck 59 ball-61 to help the side reach the victory before he claimed 3-58 with his bowling.

Bangladesh however set up a final clash with Pakistan who beat archrivals India by three runs in the first semifinal on Wednesday. The final is on Saturday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Thanks to a 128 ball-114 from Darwish Rasooli, Afghanistan piled up 228-9 after being sent to bat first. Soumya Sarkar trumped Rasooli’s century to help Bangladesh reach the target in just 39.5 overs as they made 229-3. Soumya struck three fours and as many sixes in his 59 ball-61.

He was ably supported by captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto who contributed team’s cause with 59 off 68, hitting five fours and one six. Yasir Ali was not out on 38 and Afif Hossain was on 45 off 36, after smacking three fours and two sixes.

Darwish Rasooli earlier drove the side single-handedly as his colleagues failed to deal with Bangladeshi bowlers. Rasooli smashed seven fours and seven sixes in his 114.

Hasan Mahmud and Soumya Sarkar scalped three wickets apiece while Tanvir Islam picked up two wickets.