South Africa is back in action, as they defeat Bangladesh by 7 wickets to register a 1-0 lead in the two-match test series. This is the first win for South African team against an Asian team in Asia since 2014.
In 2014, they defeated Sri Lanka in Galle. It was an all-around dominating performance by the Proteas, that resulted in their win after such a long time in the subcontinent. With this win, the dynamic of World Test Championship has changed. The Proteas have improved their point-percentage to 47.62, and jumped over England and New Zealand to claim the fourth spot in the standings.
Bangladesh Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto invited the visitors to field first after winning the toss. However, the decision backfired as South Africa’s fast bowlers and spinners excelled in the favorable conditions and bowled the home side for 106.
It was a dominant performance as Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Wiaan Mulder each took three wickets. In the second innings, Bangladesh attempted to make a comeback, but it was too late, as they could only set a target of 106 runs for the visitors.
South Africa chased down the target in 22 overs and won the match by 7 wickets. The second Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa is scheduled to take place in Chattogram from October 29th.
This victory has complicated and made it more challenging for India to qualify for the World Test Championship final. To book their place in the finals, South Africa now need to win 4 out of their 5 matches ( 1 Bangladesh, 2 Sri Lanka, 2 Pakistan).
Kagiso Rabada’s six wickets fire Proteas to a Historic Victory in Asia
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took 3 wickets in the first innings and 6 wickets in the second to clinch a victory for the Proteas in Asia. With that, he also reached the milestone of 300 wickets in Test.
The 29-year-old fast-bowling phenomenon dominated the whole Bangladeshi batting line-up and made South Africa finish on top after the first Test match in Mirpur. After the Test match, he was honored by former South African fast bowler Shaun Pollock for his outstanding performance and achievement of 300 wickets.
