Bangladesh vs South Africa 1st Test, Day 1 Highlights | South Africa tour of Bangladesh 2024 | BAN vs SA

In a day dominated by bowlers, South Africa gained a slender advantage at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. After bundling out Bangladesh for a paltry 106, the visitors ended the day on 140/6, leading by 34 runs.

The pitch proved to be bowler-friendly from the get-go, offering little respite for batters. Bangladesh, who opted to bat after winning the toss, struggled to gain any momentum against South Africa's disciplined bowling attack. The Proteas, led by Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj, dismantled Bangladesh's lineup, with each claiming three wickets apiece. Rabada, in particular, achieved a significant personal milestone, becoming the fastest South African to take 300 Test wickets, doing so in just 11,817 deliveries—fewer than legends like Dale Steyn and Allan Donald.

Bangladesh’s Batting Woes

Bangladesh's top order crumbled under relentless pressure. Shadman Islam fell for a duck, while Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto couldn’t make a mark either. Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s gritty 30 was the only notable resistance, but once he was dismissed by Dane Piedt, the innings folded quickly. Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz also failed to provide support, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 106 all out in just 40.1 overs.

Rabada’s Record and South Africa’s Bowling Masterclass

Kagiso Rabada’s three-wicket haul was the highlight of South Africa’s bowling effort, with his 300th Test scalp being the prized wicket of Litton Das. Wiaan Mulder’s all-round performance, with figures of 3/22, added further pressure on the Bangladesh lineup. Keshav Maharaj was equally effective with his 3/34, cleaning up the tail. This trio stifled Bangladesh, never allowing them to string together partnerships or score freely.

South Africa’s Wobble in Reply

In response, South Africa's start mirrored Bangladesh’s struggles. Skipper Aiden Markram was dismissed for 6 on the very first over by Hasan Mahmud, and Tristan Stubbs (23) and Tony de Zorzi (30) departed before they could build any lasting partnership. Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam led the fightback with an outstanding five-wicket haul (5/49), removing four of South Africa's top six, including Ryan Rickelton (27) and David Bedingham (11). Taijul's brilliant performance saw South Africa wobble at 108/6, raising hopes of Bangladesh clawing back into the contest.

However, Wiaan Mulder (17*) and Kyle Verreynne (18*) steadied the ship, guiding South Africa to a 34-run lead at the close of play. The duo’s unbroken 32-run partnership has given the Proteas a valuable edge heading into Day 2.

Day 1: A Record for Wickets

With 16 wickets falling on the opening day, the game has already entered the record books for the most wickets to fall on the first day of a Test match in Asia. The spicy surface in Dhaka and persistent probing by both teams' bowlers has made this a fast-paced contest, hinting at more wickets to come.

What Lies Ahead

As the match progresses into Day 2, South Africa will aim to build on their slim lead, while Bangladesh will hope to quickly wrap up the Proteas' innings and make the most of their second opportunity with the bat. On a tricky pitch where wickets have fallen in clusters, any lead could prove to be crucial.

Both teams will need their batters to find some form on this bowler-friendly surface, but for now, South Africa hold the upper hand.

Brief Scores:

• Bangladesh 106 (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 30; Rabada 3/26, Mulder 3/22, Maharaj 3/34)
• South Africa 140/6 in 41 overs (de Zorzi 30, Rickelton 27; Taijul Islam 5/49)
  South Africa lead by 34 runs at stumps on Day 1.