Mogakane Stars on Day One | SA Emerging vs Bangladesh Emerging 2nd Test, Dhaka

Mogakane’s Triple Strike Puts SA Emerging Men on Top in Dhaka Test Opener

Summary
Andile Mogakane shone with the ball on Day One as South Africa Emerging Men gained an upper hand against Bangladesh Emerging in the second four-day match at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Mogakane’s impressive spell of 3 for 20, backed by Tshepo Ntuli’s late wickets, reduced Bangladesh to 242/7 at stumps after a strong sixth-wicket stand between Iftakhar Hossain Ifti (109) and Moin Khan (91) rescued the hosts.
The day started with Bangladesh in deep trouble at 58/5, but their middle order showed resilience.
The first match ended in a rain-affected draw in Chattogram, making this a must-perform contest for both sides.
South Africa will look to capitalise early on Day Two as they attempt to take control of the final red-ball fixture.

Mogakane Leads the Charge as South Africa Emerging Dominate Day One

South Africa Emerging Men enjoyed a productive start in the second and final four-day match against Bangladesh Emerging, thanks largely to a fiery burst from Andile Mogakane, who claimed three crucial wickets to help his side gain a decisive edge in Dhaka. With Bangladesh finishing Day One on 242/7, the Proteas will be the happier of the two sides after threatening early collapses and a late shift in momentum.

The encounter at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium carries added importance after the series opener in Chattogram ended in a rain-marred draw. With clear skies in Dhaka and two balanced squads eager to assert red-ball dominance, the second game promised intent and Day One delivered.

Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone in Bangladesh vs South Africa Emerging Clash

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat on a slightly green surface, but that decision quickly came under scrutiny. Nqobani Mokoena struck first, removing Ashiqur Rahman Shibli for a duck, before Andile Mogakane turned the heat up with a remarkable three-wicket spell that had the hosts reeling at 49/4.

It was a vintage spell of pace bowling from Mogakane, whose discipline, control, and ability to generate seam movement helped him dismiss key top-order batters and swing the momentum firmly South Africa’s way. His effort was the latest in a string of solid performances from the Dafabet Warriors pacer, who has been in red-hot form this season.

When Tshepo Ntuli joined the act, dismissing Pritom Kumar for just two, the scoreboard read 58/5 a position of peril for the hosts, one that seemed to forecast a quick collapse.

Iftakhar and Moin Fight Back with Resilient Century Stand

But just as Bangladesh looked buried, they were rescued by a monumental 179-run partnership between Iftakhar Hossain Ifti and Moin Khan, two batters who displayed grit, patience, and excellent shot selection under pressure.

Iftakhar, in particular, was the standout performer. His composed 109 off 291 balls was a lesson in application, especially after coming in during a crisis. The 22-year-old opener dug deep to absorb relentless pressure from South Africa’s quicks and later accelerated his scoring with 14 boundaries as the pitch began to flatten out.

At the other end, Moin Khan played the role of aggressor with his fluent 91 off 159 balls, including 15 fours. The duo's partnership not only lifted Bangladesh from a precarious position but also kept them firmly in the contest.

Late Breakthroughs Hand SA Emerging the Edge Again

Just when Bangladesh looked set to end the day with the upper hand, the South Africans clawed their way back. Dian Forrester broke the vital sixth-wicket stand by removing Moin nine runs short of a well-deserved century. Then, in the penultimate over of the day, Ntuli struck again, dismissing Iftakhar and restoring the momentum to the visitors' camp.

At stumps, Bangladesh were on 242 for 7, still fighting but no longer dominant. With the tail exposed and the pitch expected to turn on Day Two, South Africa will aim to wrap things up quickly and build a first-innings lead.

South Africa Emerging Squad Showing Growth and Promise

This tour of Bangladesh has offered an ideal platform for young South African players to stake claims and gain valuable international experience. Under the leadership of George van Heerden, the SA Emerging side includes players from a variety of domestic setups, including the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, DP World Lions, and Knights.

Mogakane, who has emerged as the team’s pace spearhead, and Ntuli, who adds a second seam threat, have both underlined the depth in South Africa’s bowling stocks at the developmental level. Add to that a disciplined fielding unit and a mature tactical approach, and this side looks increasingly polished for the longer format.

Looking Ahead to Day Two

As Day Two dawns in Dhaka, the Proteas will look to dismiss the remaining three Bangladeshi batters quickly and make the most of batting-friendly conditions. The outfield is quick, and while the surface may offer some spin later, Day Two is expected to be a bat-first advantage scenario.

With Bangladesh’s lower order now under pressure, the SA batters will be eyeing the opportunity to pile on runs and put themselves in a winning position going into the second half of the match.