Chattogram: Kagiso Rabada's intense magic played a key role in South Africa's continued dominance over Bangladesh on the second day of the second Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Wednesday.
The second day of the Chattogram Test began with South Africa at 307/2, with Tony de Zorzi (141) and David Bedingham (18) both still on the field.
The duo of Zorzi-Bedingham kicked off the day positively, scoring some important runs.
The first loss of the day occurred in the 99th over when Taijul Islam dismissed Bedingham for 59 runs. Shortly after, Taijul struck again, removing the formidable Zorzi for 177 runs in the 101st over.
Later in South Africa's turn, the Proteas' all-rounder Wiaan Mulder remained unbroken on the field, scoring 105 runs from 150 balls, his significant contribution helped the visitors reach 575/6. The South African captain declared their innings after achieving a substantial score in the first.
Taijul Islam had an outstanding performance, taking five wickets in the first inning. On the other hand, Nahid Rana managed to pick up just one wicket.
Bangladesh struggled with their batting as well. Shadman Islam (0 runs from 6 balls) and Mahmudul Hasan Joy (10 runs from 21 balls, 1 four) started for the hosts but could only manage a 10-run opening partnership when Rabada got rid of Islam in the fifth ball of the first over.
Bangladesh lost quick wickets in the closing session of day three. The hosts batted through nine overs in their first inning, ending at 38/4, trailing by 537 runs with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (4 runs from 6 balls, 1 four) and Mominul Haque (6 runs from 10 balls, 1 four) both still on the field.
On the third day, Bangladesh aimed for Najmul Hossain and Mominul Haque to build a significant partnership and gain an advantage over South Africa in the second Test.
Rabada spearheaded the Proteas bowling effort by securing two wickets. At the same time, Dane Paterson and Keshav Maharaj each took down one wicket during their turns.
In the earlier part of the test, after winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first on Tuesday in Chattogram. Aiden Markram's choice proved beneficial for the Proteas in the second Test.
Captain Aiden Markram (33 runs from 55 balls, including two fours) and Tony de Zorzi (141 runs from 211 balls, with 10 fours and 3 sixes) put on a strong show, solidifying a partnership of 69 runs.
After the first wicket, the hosts had a tough time taking quick wickets and faced considerable pressure from South Africa.
Tristan Stubbs (106 runs from 198 balls, with 6 fours and 3 sixes) took over from the Proteas captain on the field and, together with De Zorzi, scored 201 runs.
In the 74th over of South Africa's first innings, Taijul played a crucial role in Bangladesh's second wicket when he bowled Stubbs out for 106 runs.
By the close of day one, David Bedingham (18 runs from 25 balls, including two sixes) and De Zorzi remained unbeaten after replacing Stubbs at the crease.
Bangladesh's bowling efforts were lackluster on the first day of the second Test match. The hosts struggled to take wickets in all three sessions on Tuesday. Taijul Islam was the lone success story for Bangladesh in bowling.
Score summary: South Africa reached 575/6 d (Tony de Zorzi scored 177 runs, Tristan Stubbs scored 106 runs, Wiaan Mulder scored 105 runs; Taijul Islam took 5 wickets for 198 runs). vs Bangladesh, scored 38/4 (Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored 10 runs, Mominul Haque scored 6 runs, Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 4 runs; Kagiso Rabada took 2 wickets for 8 runs).
