Kagiso Rabada’s outstanding bowling performance propelled South Africa to a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first Test match at Mirpur, marking their first Test victory in Asia since 2014. Rabada’s remarkable figures of 6 for 46 in the second innings brought his match tally to nine wickets, denying Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan a well-deserved century as he fell just three runs short, finishing on 97.
South Africa got a target of 106 runs after dismissing Bangladesh for 307 in their second innings, and they completed the chase in just 22 overs, losing three wickets along the way. The win elevates South Africa to fourth place on the World Test Championship table.
Day Three Highlights
The third day began with Bangladesh holding a slim lead, but Rabada quickly changed the game’s momentum. He struck twice in the same over, taking key wickets to dismantle Bangladesh’s lower order. Earlier, Bangladesh had managed to add only 24 runs to their overnight score before being bowled out.
Rabada’s performance was complemented by Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj, who took three wickets, effectively restricting Bangladesh’s scoring opportunities. The South African bowlers showcased their skills, keeping the hosts on the back foot throughout the innings.
South Africa’s Chase
In pursuit of a modest target, South Africa’s batting lineup approached the chase with aggression. Openers Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi gave a solid start, putting together a partnership of 42 runs. Despite losing Markram and de Zorzi in quick succession, Tristan Stubbs remained composed at the crease, finishing unbeaten on 30 and helping to guide the team to victory.
South Africa’s batters struck 15 boundaries and two sixes, scoring at a brisk rate of nearly five runs per over, demonstrating their intent and adaptability on the challenging subcontinental pitch.
Historical Context
This victory is particularly significant for South Africa, who had not won a Test in Asia since beating Sri Lanka in Galle in 2014. The last time they triumphed in Bangladesh was in 2008 when they secured victories in both matches by innings. With this win, the Proteas aim to build momentum as they prepare for the second Test in Chattogram next Tuesday.
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Match Scorecard
South Africa 1st Innings: 308
- Kyle Verreynne: 114
- Wiaan Mulder: 54
- Taijul Islam: 5/122
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 106
- Mahudul Hasan Joy: 30
- Taijul Islam: 16
- Wiaan Mulder: 3/22
- Kagiso Rabada: 3/26
- Keshav Maharaj: 3/34
Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 307
- Mehidy Hasan: 97
- Jaker Ali: 58
- Kagiso Rabada: 6/46
South Africa 2nd Innings: 106 for 3
- Tony de Zorzi: 41
- Tristan Stubbs: 30*
- Taijul Islam: 3/43
Result: South Africa won by 7 wickets.
