South Africa finished the day at 140/6, leading by 34 runs after a day filled with wickets. The Proteas, backed by Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj’s three-wicket hauls, restricted Bangladesh to 106, while Taijul Islam’s five-wicket spell demolished South Africa’s middle order.
The sun shone brightly in Dhaka as South Africa prepared to face Bangladesh in the first Test match. Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that backfired. Wiaan Mulder wreaked havoc early on, dismissing Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, and Najmul Hossain Shanto in quick succession. Bangladesh found themselves reeling at 21/3 as Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudul Hasan Joy attempted to stabilize the innings. However, Kagiso Rabada broke the partnership, claiming his 300th Test wicket by dismissing Rahim. He continued his brilliance by removing Litton Das, leaving Bangladesh in disarray at 49/5. With Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s wicket, Bangladesh slumped to 60/6, with Joy and Jaker Ali at the crease.
The situation worsened for Bangladesh after lunch as they lost wickets rapidly. The lower order faltered, with Joy and Jaker falling in quick succession. Ultimately, Bangladesh was bundled out for just 106 runs with Taijul Islam’s wicket. After a brief interval, the Proteas began their innings with Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi opening the batting. However, Hasan Mahmud’s fiery delivery in the first over sent South African captain Markram back to the pavilion. Despite this setback, de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs forged a 41-run partnership, taking the score to 42/1 after 11 overs. But Taijul struck again, dismissing Stubbs and bringing David Bedingham to the crease. With de Zorzi and Bedingham at the wicket, the visitors reached 65/2, trailing by 41 runs at tea.
After tea, South Africa’s downfall began as Taijul Islam showcased his bowling prowess. He dismissed David Bedingham, Tony de Zorzi, and Matthew Breetzke, leaving South Africa struggling at 99/5. The South African dugout wore a dejected expression as Taijul struck again, claiming the wicket of Ryan Rickelton in the 32nd over. However, Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Verreynne managed to keep the scorecard moving, helping South Africa reach 135/6 and establish a lead of 30 runs. Ultimately, play was halted due to bad light, and the day was called off, with Bangladesh finishing at 140/6, leading by 34 runs at stumps.
