SA 2nd Test 1st Day Complete Inning 307 Runs Against BAN. South Africa demonstrated their intent for a series sweep in Chattogram, establishing a commanding 307/2 on the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh. This impressive start was driven by maiden Test centuries from Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, whose powerful second-wicket partnership left Bangladesh grappling for a response. The pitch at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium offered little to the Bangladeshi bowlers, allowing South Africa to assert early control in the match.
Match Summary
- Bangladesh vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Day 1
- South Africa: 307/2 in 81 overs at stumps
- Bangladesh bowlers face a tough challenge as South Africa capitalizes on a batsman-friendly pitch
- Key Partnerships: 201 runs for the second wicket between De Zorzi and Stubbs
First Day Highlights and Partnership Success
Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs shone in the batting lineup, setting South Africa up for a successful first innings. Their collective effort in the second-wicket partnership tallied 201 runs, establishing a new record for South Africa in Test matches against Bangladesh. After Aiden Markram’s early exit at 33 runs, De Zorzi and Stubbs formed a formidable duo at the crease. With De Zorzi finishing unbeaten at 141, he displayed great composure, patiently picking apart the Bangladeshi bowling attack over 211 balls, punctuated by 10 fours and three sixes. His resilient innings will resume alongside David Bedingham on day two.
Stubbs, traditionally known for his aggressive style, adapted a restrained approach, facing 198 balls to notch 106 runs, marked by six fours and three sixes. His innings concluded when Taijul Islam bowled him, cutting short what could have been an even more imposing score. However, Stubbs’ efforts have already put South Africa in a favorable position, with his maiden hundred highlighting his versatility as a batsman.
Bangladesh Bowling Struggles and Strategic Missteps
With a lackluster day in the field, Bangladesh struggled to penetrate South Africa’s defenses. Taijul Islam stood out as the only effective bowler, claiming both wickets for 110 runs over 30 overs. Taijul initially dismissed Markram, who attempted a lofted shot and was caught by Mominul Haque at mid-on. Taijul struck again in the final session to clean-bowl Stubbs, whose attempted back-foot punch fell short.
Despite these dismissals, Bangladesh faced a challenging day, having exhausted two of their three reviews. Appeals for lbw against De Zorzi and a caught-behind attempt on Stubbs were unsuccessful, adding further strain to their defensive tactics.
South Africa Squad and Bangladesh Changes
South Africa opted for strategic adjustments, bringing in all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy and fast bowler Dane Paterson to replace Matthew Breetzke and Dane Piedt. These changes were aligned with South Africa’s aggressive stance, capitalizing on Bangladesh’s struggle with Test cricket consistency.
Bangladesh introduced Zakir Hasan, Nahid Rana, and debutant wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon, replacing Jaker Ali (concussed during the first Test), Nayeem Hasan, and Litton Das. Bangladesh’s adjustments aimed to bolster their lineup; however, the day concluded with South Africa clearly in control.
Scorecard at Stumps – Day 1
| Team | Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Fall of Wicket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Aiden Markram | 33 | 65 | 5 | 0 | 1-69 (17.1 ov) |
| Tony de Zorzi (not out) | 141 | 211 | 10 | 3 | ||
| Tristan Stubbs | 106 | 198 | 6 | 3 | 2-270 (73.4 ov) | |
| David Bedingham (not out) | 18 | 23 | 2 | 0 | ||
| Extras | 9 | |||||
| Total | 307 | 81 ov |
Key Day 1 Moments
- De Zorzi’s Maiden Century: Reached in 146 balls, an innings marked by his resilience and skill in tough conditions.
- Stubbs’ Aggression Meets Restraint: While known for aggression, Stubbs displayed patience, crafting his maiden century over 198 balls.
- Taijul Islam’s Persistence: Despite little support from the pitch, he managed to claim both South African wickets.
- New Ball Strategy: Bangladesh’s new ball in the 80th over made minimal impact as South Africa kept control at 307/2.
Second Day Expectations and Team Goals
South Africa, with a 1-0 series lead, will look to extend their dominance into day two, with hopes of pushing beyond 450 to cement their winning position. With de Zorzi still at the crease and David Bedingham fresh, the Proteas are well poised to capitalize further on Bangladesh’s vulnerable bowling attack. As for Bangladesh, they must look to recalibrate their approach, with Taijul Islam likely shouldering the brunt of the bowling responsibility.
The addition of Dane Paterson and Keshav Maharaj to South Africa’s bowling lineup gives them ample options to counter Bangladesh’s batting, with Kagiso Rabada aiming to recreate his 6-46 performance from the first Test.
Conclusion
The opening day concluded with South Africa establishing a strong foundation to potentially seal a series win in Chattogram. Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs’s impressive centuries underscored South Africa’s batting depth, and with two days left to play, the Proteas have every advantage heading into the rest of the match. Bangladesh’s ability to adapt and respond with resilience will determine whether they can fight their way back into this Test.
