South Africa trounce Bangladesh by 333 runs to take 1-0 series lead

South Africa wrapped up a comfortable win over Bangladesh in the first game of the two-match Test series played at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. Bangladesh were always behind the game as resumed at 49 for 3 on Day 5 of the Test match. It was down to the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim and Sabbir Rahman to produce substantial knocks to help Bangladesh escape with a draw.

Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj produced incisive spells to decimate Bangladesh’s batting lineup. South Africa performance was even more commendable as their premier bowler Morne Morkel was ruled out of the final day after suffering from a side strain.

Bangladesh showed no resistance as they were bundled out for 90 runs in just 32.4 overs. Rabada and Maharaj took seven wickets between them to see South Africa take 1-0 lead in the two match series. Imrul Kayes and Mushfiqur Rahim were the only batsmen to reach double figures while the rest showed no application to stay at the wicket.

Chasing 424 runs for the win, Bangladesh lost their openers early as Morne Morkel dismissed Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque in his opening spell to set the tone for South Africa’s comprehensive win on the final day of the game. Rahim and Mahmudullah played well to see Bangladesh lose no wickets at the end of Day 4.

South Africa made early inroads into Bangladesh’s batting lineup by dismissing Mushfiqur as Hashim Amla took a blinder of catch in the slips. Rabada turned the heat with the bat by taking out Liton Das and Mahmudullah in quick succession. Both the batsman showed no application to depart for low scores.

Bangladesh batsman were loose in their approach and kept playing extravagant strokes given the situation demanded them to just play out the day session by session. Sabbir Rahman was trapped right in front by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Shaiful Islam got run-out in a terrible mix-up with Mehedi Hasan to see Bangladesh slump to 75 for 9. Mehedi remained unbeaten for his 15 runs while Mustafizur Rahman offered a simple caught bowl chance to Maharaj to see South Africa win the game by 333 runs with two sessions to spare.

Earlier in the game, Mushfiqur Rahim won the toss and opted to field first. Dean Elgar produced a majestic 199 runs to see South Africa post a mammoth first innings total of 496 for 3 before South African captain Faf du Plessis made a timely declaration. Bangladesh played well in their first innings as Mominul Haque and Mahmudullah scored crucial half centuries to see push their beyond 300 run-mark.

Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Sabbir Rahman played well to see Bangladesh post 320 runs in their first innings. South Africa looked in the box seat with a lead of 176 runs under their belt. Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram were dismissed early as South Africa were reduced to 70 for 3 in 20.1 overs.

Temba Bavuma and Faf du Plessis played well as they added 142 runs to see South Africa push their lead beyond 400-run mark. Du Plessis scored 81 runs while Bavuma chipped in with 71 runs to see South Africa declare their innings at 247 for 6 in 56 overs to set Bangladesh a target of 424 runs to win the game.