SA 2nd Test Won By Inning And 273 Runs Against BAN. In a remarkable display of dominance, South Africa triumphed over Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs in the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, completing a clean sweep of the two-match series. This emphatic victory not only showcased the Proteas’ strength in both batting and bowling but also marked their largest innings win in Test history, further solidifying their resurgence in the World Test Championship standings.
A Comprehensive First Innings Performance
South Africa began the Test match with an explosive batting performance, amassing a formidable total of 575 for 6 declared in their first innings. The highlight of this innings was the record-setting feat of three players scoring their maiden Test centuries in the same innings—a rare occurrence that underscores the depth of talent within the South African batting lineup.
Tony de Zorzi led the charge with a superb 177 runs off 269 balls, showcasing both aggression and finesse. His innings included a variety of strokes that left the Bangladeshi bowlers scrambling. Following him, Tristan Stubbs contributed a solid 106 runs, and Wiaan Mulder added an unbeaten 105, ensuring South Africa posted a mammoth total. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marked only the second instance in Test history where three players scored their maiden hundreds in a single innings.
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony de Zorzi | 177 | 269 | 20 | 2 |
| Tristan Stubbs | 106 | 198 | 12 | 2 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 105* | 157 | 8 | 3 |
Taijul Islam was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming five wickets, but he was expensive, demonstrating the challenges faced by the home team on a pitch that was generally conducive to batting.
Bangladesh Struggles Under Pressure
In response, Bangladesh’s batting lineup faltered significantly, collapsing to 159 all out in their first innings shortly after lunch. The Proteas’ seam attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, wreaked havoc, with Rabada claiming 5 wickets for just 37 runs. His exceptional spell included the crucial wickets of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Mahidul Islam Ankon, showcasing his ability to exploit weaknesses in the Bangladeshi batting order.
Resuming the third day at 38 for 4, Bangladesh briefly rallied thanks to Mominul Haque, who fought valiantly to score 82 runs. However, his dismissal, caught by Senuran Muthusamy, marked the end of a 103-run partnership with Taijul Islam for the ninth wicket. Unfortunately for the hosts, they had no significant contributions from the rest of the batting lineup, leading to a substantial first-innings deficit of 416 runs.
First Innings Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kagiso Rabada | 9 | 37 | 5 |
| Dane Paterson | 10 | 31 | 2 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 16 | 57 | 2 |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 13 | 45 | 4 |
The Follow-On and Bangladesh Demise
With a commanding lead, South Africa enforced the follow-on, and Bangladesh’s woes continued in their second innings. Dismissed for just 143 runs in under 44 overs, the Bangladeshi batsmen once again succumbed to pressure, with Rabada and the spin duo of Maharaj and Muthusamy wreaking havoc.
In this innings, Keshav Maharaj picked up five wickets for 59 runs, while Muthusamy registered impressive figures of 4 for 45, marking a personal best in his fledgling Test career. Bangladesh’s batting issues were evident, with only a handful of players managing to reach double figures, most notably Hasan Mahmud, who remained not out on 38 runs, and Najmul Hossain Shanto, who contributed 36.
Second Innings Bowling Summary
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keshav Maharaj | 16.4 | 59 | 5 |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 13 | 45 | 4 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 7 | 17 | 0 |
| Dane Paterson | 10 | 31 | 1 |
A Complete Team Performance
This match epitomized a complete team effort from South Africa. Their performance was not only characterized by the historic batting achievements but also by a bowling display that combined both seam and spin effectively. The Proteas demonstrated exceptional discipline, with Rabada leading the attack and spinners Maharaj and Muthusamy complementing him brilliantly.
Match Highlights
- Player of the Match: Tony de Zorzi for his magnificent 177 runs.
- Player of the Series: Kagiso Rabada, acknowledging his impactful bowling throughout the series.
- Series Result: South Africa won the two-match series 2-0, marking their first series sweep in Asia since 2008.
Post-Match Reflections
Captain Aiden Markram expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the significance of the victory in the context of South Africa’s aspirations for the World Test Championship. The win provides momentum as they prepare to face Sri Lanka and Pakistan in upcoming home Tests, where they will seek to continue their form.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their batting frailties if they hope to compete effectively in future series. The lack of partnerships and the inability to handle both pace and spin effectively were critical factors in their defeats.
Conclusion
South Africa’s monumental victory by an innings and 273 runs over Bangladesh is a testament to their resilience and skill in Test cricket. With an eye on the future, they will look to build on this success, aiming for a strong showing in the World Test Championship as they transition into a crucial home season. For Bangladesh, the focus will be on rebuilding and strategizing to improve their performance in the longer format of the game.
