A Historic Win for South Africa as they Clinches 7-Wicket Victory Against Bangladesh
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| This is South Africa's first Test victory in Asia since 2014. / Getty |
South Africa secured a comprehensive 7-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series, taking a 1-0 lead after dominating with both bat and ball. Bangladesh’s decision to bat first backfired, setting the tone for the hosts' downfall, while Kyle Verreynne's century and Kagiso Rabada's six-wicket haul were key highlights for the Proteas.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat, but they crumbled under pressure, being bowled out for just 106 in their first innings. The top and middle order struggled against South Africa's disciplined bowling attack. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the only notable contributor with 30 runs, while Shadman Islam (0), Mominul Haque (4), Najmul Hossain Shanto (7), Litton Das (1), and Jaker Ali (2) all failed to make an impact. Kagiso Rabada (3/26), Wiaan Mulder (3/22), and Keshav Maharaj (3/34) shared the wickets, ensuring Bangladesh never settled in.
In reply, South Africa also found themselves in early trouble at 108/6, but Kyle Verreynne (114) and Wiaan Mulder (54) steadied the innings with a 119-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Verreynne’s composed century—his second in Test cricket—helped the Proteas recover, while Dane Piedt’s useful 32 at the tail end secured a 202-run lead as South Africa posted 308. Taijul Islam was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming 5/122, while Hasan Mahmud and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took three and two wickets, respectively.
Bangladesh’s second innings started poorly as well, with Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque falling early. Najmul Hossain Shanto (42) and Mahmudul Hasan Joy (50) attempted to rebuild, but Keshav Maharaj broke the partnership. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudul offered resistance, but Kagiso Rabada struck again, dismissing both key batters and leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position at 112/6.
The hosts found some fight through a 138-run partnership between Mehidy Hasan Miraz (97) and debutant Jaker Ali (58). Their efforts helped Bangladesh avoid an innings defeat, but the hosts were eventually bowled out for 307, giving South Africa a modest target of 106 to win. Rabada was again the hero for the Proteas, taking 6/79 in the second innings, while Maharaj and Mulder chipped in with crucial wickets.
Chasing 106, South Africa made a solid start with openers Tony de Zorzi (41) and Aiden Markram (20) adding 42 runs. Taijul Islam (3/51) gave Bangladesh brief hope by removing Markram, de Zorzi, and David Bedingham (12), but Tristan Stubbs (30*) and Ryan Rickelton (1*) guided the Proteas to victory, sealing a comfortable win with 7 wickets in hand.
With this victory, South Africa take a 1-0 lead in the series and will look to complete a series sweep in the second Test. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will have to regroup quickly and address their batting frailties if they hope to bounce back in the final match.
Brief Scores:
- Bangladesh: 106 all out in 39.5 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 30; Kagiso Rabada 3/26, Wiaan Mulder 3/22, Keshav Maharaj 3/34) & 307 all out in 93.4 overs (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 97, Jaker Ali 58; Kagiso Rabada 6/79).
- South Africa: 308 all out in 101.1 overs (Kyle Verreynne 114, Wiaan Mulder 54; Taijul Islam 5/122) & 108/3 in 24.2 overs (Tony de Zorzi 41; Taijul Islam 3/51).