SA 1st Test Complete First Inning 308 Runs Against BAN. The highly anticipated Bangladesh vs South Africa 1st Test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka delivered all the excitement and drama fans expect from top-tier Test cricket. South Africa asserted dominance on Day 2 with a strong batting performance, followed by clinical bowling that left Bangladesh struggling to keep up. The match progressed at a thrilling pace, with South Africa’s formidable first innings putting them in the driver’s seat, leaving Bangladesh with a daunting task in their second innings. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key moments and performances that shaped the match so far.
South Africa First Innings
South Africa posted an impressive total of 308 in their first innings, led by a gritty century from Kyle Verreynne. However, the team had its share of challenges as Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Taijul Islam and Hasan Mahmud, made early breakthroughs. The South African top order struggled to find consistency, with only a few players managing to stay at the crease for extended periods.
Key Batting Performances
- Aiden Markram: The South African captain, opening the innings, could not provide the strong start his team needed. He was dismissed early for just 6 runs off 7 balls, falling to an excellent delivery from Hasan Mahmud.
- Tony de Zorzi: De Zorzi contributed a valuable 30 runs off 72 balls, playing cautiously but eventually falling to Taijul Islam, who was in fine form throughout the innings.
- Kyle Verreynne: The star of South Africa’s innings, Verreynne scored a brilliant 114 off 144 balls, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes. His innings was a masterclass in resilience and shot selection, keeping South Africa in the game when wickets were falling at the other end.
- Wiaan Mulder: Mulder provided crucial support to Verreynne with his 54 runs off 112 balls, playing a patient innings and anchoring the middle order.
- Dane Piedt: Piedt chipped in with 32 runs off 87 balls, ensuring that South Africa crossed the 300-run mark before being bowled out.
Bangladesh Bowling Attack
The Bangladesh bowlers worked hard to limit South Africa’s progress. Taijul Islam was the standout bowler, taking an impressive 5 wickets for 122 runs in his 36 overs, keeping the South African batsmen under constant pressure. Hasan Mahmud was equally effective, claiming 3 wickets for 66 runs, including the key wickets of Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj. Mehidy Hasan contributed with 2 wickets, dismissing the dangerous Kyle Verreynne and Dane Piedt.
| South Africa 1st Innings Summary | |
|---|---|
| Total | 308/10 (88.4 overs) |
| Run Rate | 3.47 |
| Top Scorer | Kyle Verreynne – 114 runs |
| Best Partnership | Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder – 119 runs |
| Bangladesh’s Best Bowler | Taijul Islam – 5/122 |
Bangladesh First Innings
Bangladesh’s response to South Africa’s total was disappointing, as they crumbled to a lowly score of 106 all out. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, were relentless, tearing through Bangladesh’s batting line-up with ease. The pace and accuracy of the South African attack left Bangladesh unable to build any substantial partnerships.
Key Batting Performances for Bangladesh
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy: The opener provided some resistance with 30 runs off 97 balls, including 2 fours and a six, but he received little support from the other end.
- Taijul Islam: Coming in late, Islam managed to contribute 16 runs from 31 balls, but by then, the damage had already been done.
South Africa Dominant Bowling
The South African bowling unit was exceptional, with Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj all taking three wickets each. Rabada was particularly impressive, bowling with pace and aggression, while Mulder used his medium pace effectively to trouble the Bangladeshi batsmen.
| Bangladesh 1st Innings Summary | |
|---|---|
| Total | 106/10 (40.1 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Mahmudul Hasan Joy – 30 runs |
| South Africa’s Best Bowler | Kagiso Rabada – 3/26 |
Bangladesh Second Innings
Facing a deficit of 193 runs, Bangladesh was under immense pressure to put up a fight in their second innings. Unfortunately for the hosts, their innings began in disastrous fashion. Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder struck early, reducing Bangladesh to 9/2 after just 4.2 overs.
Fall of Wickets
- Shadman Islam: The opener was dismissed for just 1 run, caught by Tony de Zorzi off the bowling of Kagiso Rabada.
- Mominul Haque: The former captain fell shortly after, scoring a duck, as he was caught by Wiaan Mulder off Rabada.
| Bangladesh 2nd Innings (Current) | |
|---|---|
| Total | 9/2 (4.2 overs) |
| Required Run Rate | 2.08 |
| Top Scorer (So Far) | Najmul Hossain Shanto – 4* runs |
| South Africa’s Best Bowler (So Far) | Kagiso Rabada – 2/2 |
Key Moments and Match Flow
- Kyle Verreynne’s Century: The wicketkeeper-batsman’s century was the highlight of South Africa’s innings. Verreynne’s composed knock held the innings together, ensuring that South Africa posted a competitive total.
- Taijul Islam’s 5-Wicket Haul: The left-arm spinner was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, consistently troubling the South African batsmen and claiming 5 wickets.
- South Africa’s Seam Attack: Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder were outstanding with the new ball, making early inroads into the Bangladeshi top order.
Expert Commentary and Analysis
The 1st Test between Bangladesh and South Africa has been a captivating contest, with both teams showing moments of brilliance. However, it is South Africa who holds the advantage heading into Day 3, thanks to their commanding first-innings total and strong bowling display.
Kyle Verreynne has emerged as a key figure for South Africa, displaying his ability to anchor the innings under pressure. His partnership with Wiaan Mulder was crucial in propelling South Africa to 308. Verreynne’s temperament and shot selection were exemplary, and he played spin exceptionally well, negating the threat of Taijul Islam for much of his innings.
On the bowling front, Kagiso Rabada continues to lead South Africa’s attack with aplomb. His ability to swing the ball both ways, coupled with his pace, makes him a potent force in any condition. Wiaan Mulder has also proven to be an effective bowler, using the conditions in Dhaka to his advantage, while Keshav Maharaj has played his role as the lead spinner with great skill.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need a miraculous comeback to stay in the match. Their batting in the first innings lacked application, and the early wickets in their second innings have only compounded their troubles. Mahmudul Hasan Joy provided some resistance, but the team will need a collective effort to avoid a heavy defeat.
Conclusion
At the end of Day 2, it is clear that South Africa has taken control of the 1st Test against Bangladesh. With a first-innings lead of 193 runs and Bangladesh already 2 wickets down in their second innings, South Africa will be confident of securing a victory within the next couple of days.
