Dhaka: South Africa secured their maiden victory in Asia since the 2014 edition, triumphing over Bangladesh in the opening Test of their two-match series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. This victory propelled South Africa to the fourth position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 rankings.
The Proteas' point percentage rose to 47.62 with this win, enabling them to surpass New Zealand and England, securing the fourth spot in the standings.
On the other hand, Bangladesh's defeat resulted in a drop in their point percentage to 30.56, leaving them in seventh place, with India and Australia maintaining their positions as the top two teams in the standings.
During the match, Bangladesh's Najmul Hossain Shanto was in charge of the decision and chose to field, a strategy that backfired as South Africa's pace and spinners excelled in the favorable conditions, dismissing Bangladesh for a mere 106 runs. Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj each took three wickets. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the highest scorer for Bangladesh with 30 runs in 97 deliveries.
In response, Bangladesh's spinners put up a fight, with Taijul Islam (5/122) and Mehidy Hasan (2/63) sharing seven wickets. However, a strong performance from Kyle Verreynne (114 runs in 144 balls, including eight fours and a six) supported by Mulder (54 runs in 112 balls, including eight fours) and Dane Piedt (32 runs in 87 balls, including two fours) led South Africa to a commanding lead of 202 runs. Bangladesh was eventually bowled out for 308 runs.
In the third innings, South Africa's bowlers took control once again, with Rabada leading the pack with the hosts at 112/6 at one point. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (97 runs in 191 balls, including 10 fours and a six) put up a strong resistance, contributing crucial partnerships with the lower-order batsmen to secure a total of 307 runs. Rabada ended up with his best bowling figures in Asia with 6/46.
Facing a target of 106 runs to win, South Africa found the chase relatively easy, with Tony de Zorzi leading the way with 41 runs in 52 balls, including seven fours and a six. Tristan Stubbs contributed with 30 runs in 37 balls, including four boundaries and a six, clinching the game by seven wickets.
The second Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa is scheduled to take place on October 29 in Chattogram.
