South Africa’s young batting talents, Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, both celebrated their maiden Test centuries, propelling the team to a commanding position on the first day of the second Test against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. By the close of play, South Africa had amassed 307 runs for the loss of just two wickets, with de Zorzi unbeaten on 141 and Stubbs contributing 106.
The duo’s partnership, which saw them share a remarkable 201 runs for the second wicket, marked South Africa’s third-highest second-wicket stand in Asia. Their impressive performance came in batter-friendly conditions that offered little assistance to the Bangladeshi bowlers, who struggled to make inroads.
South Africa’s innings began with a steady start as stand-in captain Aiden Markram and de Zorzi put on a brisk 60 runs without loss in the first hour, with both players looking comfortable at the crease. However, the tide turned when Markram fell to left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, who was the only Bangladeshi bowler to find success on the day.
After Markram’s dismissal, the Bangladeshi bowlers tightened their grip, restricting runs and forcing South Africa to work hard for each boundary. De Zorzi, who had been dropped twice on his way to his century, finally reached the milestone with a sweep off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, receiving warm applause from the South African camp, which included injured captain Temba Bavuma.
Stubbs, playing with growing confidence, reached his fifty and continued to accelerate, hitting two sixes off Mehidy. His century followed shortly after, with a single that capped a solid performance and garnered him a standing ovation.
Despite facing periods of tight bowling from Bangladesh, particularly from seamer Nahid Rana, who bowled impressively but went wicketless, de Zorzi and Stubbs kept the scoreboard ticking. The afternoon session saw a brief lull in scoring, but as both players settled, they took control, especially after tea when Stubbs showed intent against the spin.
The day’s play saw South Africa capitalize on their strong start, even after Stubbs fell to Taijul just before the end of play. With David Bedingham at the crease, the visitors managed to add valuable runs, ending the day with a strong total that sets them up well for a series sweep.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Taijul, will need to regroup and find a way to break the burgeoning partnership and regain control as they look to fight back in this crucial Test match.
