A riveting opening day of the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa saw a total of 16 wickets tumble, with the visitors managing to hold a slender 34-run lead by stumps. Despite a stellar five-wicket haul from Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam, South Africa’s lower order held firm to post 140 for 6, having earlier bowled out Bangladesh for just 106 in the first innings.
The day began with South Africa winning the toss and opting to bowl, a decision that quickly paid off as the bowlers ran riot over Bangladesh’s top order. Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder were the chief architects of Bangladesh’s downfall, removing six wickets between them in the first session. Mulder was particularly impressive, bowling six overs, taking 3 wickets, and conceding just 22 runs. Rabada, who became the sixth South African to reach 300 Test wickets during the innings, added two more to his tally by dismissing Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das, with the latter’s dismissal a beauty, edging to gully after an excellent spell of fast bowling.
Despite a valiant 30 from Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Bangladesh’s innings crumbled as the lower order folded after lunch, with Keshav Maharaj taking charge and dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz just before the break. Bangladesh were all out for 106, having lost 4 wickets for just 46 runs in the second session.
South Africa, however, couldn’t capitalize fully on their dominant position in the first two sessions. The spin-friendly surface at Mirpur made batting difficult, and Bangladesh’s spinners, particularly Taijul Islam, turned the tide after tea. Taijul sent back the well-set Tony de Zorzi, who had battled hard for his 30 from 72 balls, and followed it up with the wicket of David Bedingham, as South Africa slid from a comfortable 50 for 2 to 108 for 6.
Taijul, on a roll, picked up his fifth wicket when debutant Matthew Breetzke was cleaned up by a ball that skidded on, leaving him exposed. This five-wicket haul also marked Taijul as the second Bangladeshi bowler to reach 200 Test wickets, after Shakib Al Hasan. Bangladesh’s spinners continued to probe, but South Africa’s tail, led by Kyle Verreynne, managed to hold off the challenge to finish the day with a slim lead.
At stumps, South Africa had posted 140 for 6, with Verreynne unbeaten on 18 and Wiaan Mulder on 17. The match is finely poised, with both teams having enjoyed their moments under the spotlight on a challenging, spin-friendly wicket.
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Scorecard
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 106 all out (40.1 overs)
Mahmudul Hasan Joy 30 (97), Taijul Islam 16 (31), Mehidy Hasan Miraz 13 (24)
Mulder 3/22, Rabada 3/26, Maharaj 3/34
South Africa 1st Innings: 140 for 6 (41 overs)
Tony de Zorzi 30 (72), Riyan Rickelton 27 (49), Tristan Stubbs 23 (27)
Taijul 5/49, Hasan Mahmud 1/31