South Africa triumphed over Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs, completing a dominant 2-0 series sweep. The Proteas dismissed the hosts for 159 and 143 runs in the two innings, led by Kagiso Rabada’s ten wickets across the match. Bangladesh has now lost all sixteen Tests against South Africa.
South Africa has achieved a resounding victory over Bangladesh, winning the second Test by an innings and 273 runs and thereby completing a 2-0 series sweep. The match concluded on day three at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong, where South Africa, after enforcing the follow-on, dismissed Bangladesh for just 143 runs in their second innings, having earlier bowled them out for 159 in the first. The Proteas showcased their bowling prowess, with Kagiso Rabada leading the assault, taking five wickets for 37 runs in the second innings and five for 59 in the first. This performance allowed South Africa to establish a staggering 416-run lead after their own first innings total of 575 for 6, which included three maiden Test centuries from Tony de Zorzi (177), Tristan Stubbs (106), and Wiaan Mulder (105 not out). During the match, Bangladesh suffered a complete batting collapse. Resuming the day on 38 for 4, they did manage a brief resurgence due to Mominul Haque’s innings of 82, formed in partnership with Taijul Islam, who contributed 30 runs. However, upon Mominul’s dismissal, the team quickly crumbled. Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy also played crucial roles in dismantling the Bangladeshi batting lineup, with Maharaj claiming five wickets in the second innings, adding to his tally of 41 in the match. Bangladesh, having lost the first Test by seven wickets in Dhaka, has now faced South Africa in 16 Tests without a single victory. The Proteas will now turn their attention towards their upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, as they aim to enhance their standing in the World Test Championship. The match concluded with De Zorzi being named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, while Rabada received the Player of the Series accolade. Overall, this series not only highlighted South Africa’s dominance but also exposed the challenges facing the Bangladeshi squad in the longer format of the game.
The recent Test series between South Africa and Bangladesh highlighted the stark contrast in the capabilities and performances of the two teams in international cricket. South Africa, a team with a rich history of successes in Test cricket, demonstrated its strength with a decisive 2-0 series victory. In stark contrast, Bangladesh struggled significantly, facing their seventeenth defeat to South Africa without a single win. This match was pivotal in illustrating the challenges facing the Bangladeshi team, particularly concerning their batting weaknesses and susceptibility to collapse under pressure, a continuity of their historical performance against stronger sides. The series served as a benchmark for both teams, with South Africa positioned to strengthen its prospects in the World Test Championship, while Bangladesh must reflect and improve upon their recent performances.
In conclusion, South Africa’s comprehensive victory over Bangladesh in both Tests underlines their dominance in international cricket, while also exposing significant flaws in the Bangladeshi batting order. The South African bowlers, particularly Kagiso Rabada, have played a pivotal role in their success, and with the series win, they are poised to make an impact in upcoming tournaments. Conversely, Bangladesh’s inability to secure a victory against South Africa in sixteen encounters raises pressing questions about their performance and future strategies in Test cricket. The upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan will serve as a crucial test for the Bangladeshi team as they seek to rebuild and advance in the international arena.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
