Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah struck half-centuries after Bangladesh dismissed South Africa cheaply, crushing the Proteas by seven wickets in the second one-day international to tie the three-match series in Dhaka Sunday.

Soumya hit a stroke-filled unbeaten 88 while Mahmudullah made 50 as Bangladesh raced to 3-167 with more than 22 overs in hand, keeping Bangladesh in the series after Friday’s first game loss.

Earlier the home team made swift work of the visitors, rolling them for 162 in 46 overs.

Kagiso Rabada, who had set a new one-day debut bowling record in the previous match, raised hopes when he bowled out Tamim Iqbal (five) and Litton Das (17).

But Soumya and Mahmudullah stood firm for a 135-run third wicket stand as the Tigers carried the game safely in front of packed stadium.

Soumya swept Imran Tahir over the mid wicket fence to complete the emphatic victory – only Bangladesh’s second against South Africa in 16 ODIs.

“This was a much-needed win,” said Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza.

“The last eight months we have been playing well. We lost the last four matches but we have come back.”

The win, which followed Bangladesh’s steady progress in one-day rankings, also cemented their place in the eight-team ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in England in 2017.

Only the hosts and seven other top-ranked ODI teams are eligible to qualify for the tournament.

Earlier, Nasir Hossain finished with a career best 3-26 while left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman grabbed 3-38 as South Africa were bowled out with their lowest score against Bangladesh on a slow pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

The third and final match of the series will be held in Chittagong on July 15.