South Africa tour of Bangladesh | Highlights | 1st Test | Day 2

Bangladesh vs South Africa | Highlights | 1st Test | Day 2 | South Africa tour of Bangladesh, 2024

outh Africa strengthened their hold on the 1st Test against Bangladesh with an impressive all-round performance on Day 2 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. After securing a commanding 202-run first-innings lead, the Proteas dominated with both bat and ball, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 101-3 in their second innings, still trailing by 101 runs.

The day began with South Africa resuming their first innings at 223-7, with wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder looking to stretch their lead. Verreynne, who played a masterful innings, brought up his century through a mix of aggressive sweeps and well-placed shots. His 114 from 144 balls was the highlight of South Africa's innings, guiding them past the 300-run mark.

Mulder played a crucial supporting role, scoring a gritty maiden half-century (54 off 112) as the pair frustrated Bangladesh’s bowlers. After Mulder's dismissal, Dane Piedt chipped in with a valuable 32 before South Africa were eventually bowled out for 308, securing a substantial 202-run lead. Taijul Islam led Bangladesh’s bowling with five wickets for 122 runs, while Hasan Mahmud impressed with three wickets for 63.

Bangladesh’s response to South Africa’s imposing lead was shaky from the outset. Kagiso Rabada, who had been menacing with the ball in the first innings, continued his form by trapping Shadman Islam for 1 early on. He struck again just two deliveries later, sending Mominul Haque back for a duck with an unplayable delivery, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 4-2.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy provided some resistance, putting together a 55-run partnership that temporarily steadied the innings. However, Keshav Maharaj found his rhythm and trapped Shanto lbw for 23, leaving Bangladesh in further trouble at 59-3.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy showed resilience and grit, remaining unbeaten on 38 off 80 balls. He was joined by the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim, who reached a personal milestone by surpassing 6,000 Test runs – the first Bangladeshi batter to achieve this feat. Mushfiqur finished the day on 31*, playing a counter-attacking knock to help Bangladesh navigate a challenging final session.

With Bangladesh still trailing by 101 runs and only seven wickets in hand, the hosts face a daunting task on Day 3. Much will depend on the partnership between Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim to close the gap, but they will have to contend with the relentless South African attack led by Rabada, Maharaj, and Piedt.

South Africa, with their substantial lead and potent bowling lineup, will be eyeing an early breakthrough to push for victory in the opening Test of the series. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need a monumental effort to save the match from here.

Match Summary (Day 2):

• South Africa: 308 all out (88.4 overs)
• Bangladesh 1st Innings: 106 all out (40.1 overs)
• Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 101-3 (27.1 overs)
• Bangladesh trail by: 101 runs
• Not Out: Mahmudul Hasan Joy – 38*, Mushfiqur Rahim – 31*

As the action heads into Day 3, all eyes will be on whether Bangladesh can stage a fightback, or if South Africa will further consolidate their dominant position.