South Africa and Bangladesh met in the first fixture of the two-match Test series on Monday (October 21) in Dhaka. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side’s decision to bat first misfired as they were stunned by the visitors’ bowling attack.
Wiaan Mulder opened the floodgates for the Proteas with his triple strikes in consecutive overs. He left Bangladesh in shambles by sending Shadman Islam (0), Mominul Haque (4) and Shanto (7) back into the hut. Kagiso Rabada also got into the act by breaching the defense of veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim (11).
Although Mahmudul Hasan Joy (30) was looking good with his strokes, he could not convert his start into a big knock. The right-arm spinner Dane Piedt got past through his defense. Thereafter, Tajiul Islam (16) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (11) were the key contributors as Bangladesh were bundled out for 106. Keshav Maharaj, Rabada and Mulder scalped three wickets apiece for the South African side.
Interestingly, Rabada created history by becoming the fastest player (in terms of balls) to claim 300 wickets in the Test format. He completed the achievement in 11,817 balls and broke the record of Waqar Younis. He also became the youngest Proteas bowler at an age of 29 years and 150 days to reach this milestone.
Taijul Islam’s five-wicket haul keeps Bangladesh in the game
Bangladesh got an early breakthrough of South Africa skipper Aiden Markram (6) in the first over through Hasan Mahmud. The right-arm pacer managed to outfox Markram with his good length ball and bowled him.
However, Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs weathered the early storm to help South Africa gain back the momentum. Taijul Islam broke their 41-run stand by dismissing Stubbs (23) in the 12th over.
The left-arm spinner went on to take wickets of David Bedingham (11), Zorzi (30) and Matthew Breetzke (0) to keep Bangladesh in good stead. Although Ryan Rickelton (27) played well, he was the last wicket to fall down on Day 1 for the visitors.
South Africa are currently at 140/4, with Kyle Verreynne (18*) and Wiaan Mulder (17*) at the crease. They have gained a slim lead of 34 runs heading into Day 2. With a five-wicket haul, Taijul also completed his 200 wickets in the longest format.
Both teams are not in contention for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final spots. South Africa and Bangladesh hold the sixth and seventh position, respectively in the standings, with a point percentage of less than 40%.
