South Africa claimed a comfortable seven-wicket win against Bangladesh on Thursday, securing a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series in Mirpur. The Proteas needed just 22 overs to chase down a modest target of 106, wrapping up the match before lunch on the fourth day.
The hosts had resumed play at 283-7, but South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada quickly dismantled their lower order. Rabada took three wickets in quick succession, finishing with impressive figures of 6-46. Bangladesh were bowled out for 307, leaving South Africa with a manageable total to win.
Rabada’s outstanding performance earned him match figures of 9-72, and he also reached a career milestone during the first innings, becoming the fastest South African bowler to claim 300 Test wickets.
South Africa’s chase was led by Tony de Zorzi, who played a brisk knock of 41 from 52 balls, hitting seven boundaries. Though he and stand-in captain Aiden Markram provided a solid start, Taijul Islam, Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner, briefly slowed their progress. Taijul took all three wickets to fall, finishing with 3-43, but it wasn’t enough to prevent South Africa from reaching their target.
Markram was the first wicket to fall, bowled by Taijul for 20. De Zorzi followed in the 16th over, caught by Hasan Mahmud while attempting a big shot over long-on. David Bedingham was the third to go, caught behind by wicketkeeper Litton Das. However, Tristan Stubbs (30*) held firm, guiding the visitors to 106-3.
Earlier in the day, Rabada’s devastating spell crushed Bangladesh’s hopes of extending their innings. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz top-scored with a resilient 97 but fell short of his century when he edged Rabada to Wiaan Mulder at slip. Mehidy was the last major resistance, as Bangladesh lost their final three wickets for just 24 runs in less than 30 minutes.
South Africa had earlier posted 308 in their first innings, with Kyle Verreynne’s second Test century powering their reply to Bangladesh’s paltry 106 all out on the opening day.
Bangladesh’s search for a maiden Test win against South Africa continues, as they now look ahead to the second and final Test of the series, set to begin on October 29 in Chattogram.
