BAN 2nd Test Complete First Inning 159 Runs Against SA Match. In the second Test match between South Africa and Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, the South African bowlers, led by the formidable Kagiso Rabada, showcased an impressive performance, leaving Bangladesh trailing significantly after their first innings. With South Africa declaring their innings at a hefty 575/6 and dismissing Bangladesh for a modest 159 runs, the Proteas enforced a follow-on, underscoring their dominance on Day 3 of this match-up.
South Africa Commanding First Innings
South Africa’s innings, which reached an imposing 575/6 in 144.2 overs, set the tone for this Test. Displaying technical precision and patience, three Proteas batters recorded maiden first-class hundreds, showcasing the depth of South Africa’s batting line-up. This foundation placed significant pressure on the Bangladesh team, who needed a strategic response to counter South Africa’s mammoth score.
South Africa 1st Innings Scorecard Summary
| Batsman | Runs | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | 150 | 240 | 18 | 3 | 62.5% |
| Dean Elgar | 102 | 182 | 14 | 0 | 56.0% |
| Keegan Petersen | 113 | 198 | 15 | 1 | 57.1% |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
| Extras | 34 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 575/6 | – | – | – | – |
Bangladesh Response
Starting at 38/4 after South Africa’s declaration, Bangladesh faced immense pressure from the South African pace attack, particularly from Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson. Rabada, who had recently become the world’s number one Test bowler, made quick inroads, demonstrating his title with a devastating spell that claimed crucial wickets early on. Rabada’s consistency and accuracy left Bangladesh in a precarious situation, as the top and middle order struggled to build partnerships.
- Kagiso Rabada’s Spell: Rabada’s mastery of swing and seam led him to claim a five-wicket haul, finishing the innings with 5 for 37 in just nine overs. His clinical performance left Bangladesh reeling at 48/8, with a series of quick dismissals that included Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and debutant Mahidul Islam Ankon.
Dane Paterson contributed significantly, breaking through with crucial wickets, including Mushfiqur Rahim, who was dismissed for a duck. Together, the South African bowlers ensured that Bangladesh’s first innings would not see substantial partnerships develop.
Bangladesh 1st Innings Key Partnerships
| Partnership | Players | Runs | Balls | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th Wicket Stand | Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam | 89 | 120 | Partnership Ended at 159 |
| Top Order | Shanto, Zakir Hasan | 12 | 35 | Dismissed by Rabada |
| … | … | … | … | … |
Mominul Haque Fightback and Bangladesh Collapse
Mominul Haque was a standout for Bangladesh, offering a glimmer of resistance against the formidable South African bowling lineup. Scoring his 20th Test fifty, Mominul displayed resilience and technique, managing to defy the South African attack momentarily and becoming a bulwark for his side. He formed a 89-run ninth-wicket partnership with Taijul Islam, which finally took Bangladesh beyond the 100-run mark, ending the innings at 159.
However, this resistance proved insufficient as Keshav Maharaj claimed the last wicket, catching Taijul Islam off his own bowling. South Africa’s control in the field, coupled with the accurate bowling from both their fast and spin departments, reinforced the Proteas’ advantage.
Breakdown of Key Moments
The following table provides an overview of significant overs that turned the game further in South Africa’s favor, especially during Bangladesh’s innings:
| Over | Bowler | Outcome | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Kagiso Rabada | Wicket of Shadman Islam | Caught behind by Verreynne |
| 14 | Rabada | Double blow | Dismissed Mehidy Hasan and Mahidul Ankon |
| 27 | Keshav Maharaj | Consistent dot balls and appeals | Taijul Islam contained, appeal for LBW |
| 44.6 | Senuran Muthusamy | Close appeal | Rana defended but showed signs of struggle |
| 45.2 | Keshav Maharaj | Taijul Islam’s dismissal | Caught & Bowled Maharaj |
Rabada Record-Breaking Spell
A noteworthy performance from Kagiso Rabada in this series highlighted why he remains a cornerstone of the South African Test squad. Rabada’s fifer in the second Test came with sharp, attacking deliveries that kept the Bangladesh batters on the back foot throughout. This effort marked his 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, and he also achieved his 300th Test wicket milestone in the series, making him the fastest South African bowler to reach this record by balls bowled.
Rabada’s consistency and ability to break partnerships set him apart, and his rise to the No. 1 ICC Test ranking for bowlers only underscores his status as one of the finest bowlers in international cricket today.
Second Innings and South Africa Follow-On Decision
Following Bangladesh’s innings collapse, South Africa enforced the follow-on, and Bangladesh once again faced an uphill battle. At stumps on Day 3, the South African bowlers were already making an impact, and Bangladesh’s early wickets in the second innings signaled a likely victory for the Proteas. With a lead of over 400 runs, South Africa’s strategic decision aimed to secure the win while conserving their bowlers’ energies for upcoming fixtures.
Conclusion
This Test match stands as a testament to South Africa’s ability to command a game from start to finish. From a robust opening innings with maiden hundreds to a lethal bowling attack led by Rabada, the Proteas set a high bar for resilience and teamwork. Bangladesh’s response, albeit briefly bolstered by Mominul Haque’s efforts, showcased glimpses of potential but ultimately fell short against South Africa’s relentless pressure.
