South Africa triumphed over Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs, completing a 2-0 series sweep. Bangladesh was bowled out for 159 and 143, with standout performances from bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj. This win marked South Africa’s first victory on the subcontinent since 2014.
South Africa achieved an impressive victory over Bangladesh, winning by an innings and 273 runs in just three days, thereby completing a comprehensive 2-0 series sweep. This match, concluded on Thursday, saw Bangladesh struggling significantly, as they succumbed to their second-worst defeat in Test history, trailing only behind their innings and 310 runs loss to the West Indies in 2002. In response to South Africa’s first innings total of 575 for 6 declared, Bangladesh was dismissed for 159 shortly after lunch on the third day, leading to a follow-on situation. They were then bowled out again for 143 in a mere 44 overs. The South African bowling attack proved exceptionally effective, with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada recording figures of 5 wickets for 37 runs in the first innings, while the left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj claimed 5 wickets for 59 runs in the second innings. This victory was particularly significant for South Africa as it marked their first win on the subcontinent since 2014, having previously secured the first Test match of the series by seven wickets. On day three, Bangladesh resumed their innings at a precarious 38 for 4 and quickly deteriorated to 48 for 8, with Rabada earning his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. A notable partnership of 103 runs between Mominul Haque, who scored a team-leading 82, and Taijul Islam, who contributed 30 runs, delayed the inevitable collapse. Despite South Africa holding a formidable 416-run lead after the first innings, they enforced the follow-on with confidence. Their bowlers executed the strategy effectively, wrapping up Bangladesh’s second innings in less than two sessions. Senuran Muthusamy, making his mark in only his fourth Test, recorded a career-best performance of 4 wickets for 45 runs, complementing Maharaj’s efforts perfectly. Bangladesh made a brief resurgence with Hasan Mahmud remaining unbeaten on 38 and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scoring 36, but several injudicious shots led to their ultimate demise. Various players, including Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy, failed to capitalize on opportunities, while Mominul Haque’s second innings disappointment culminated in a duck. The match concluded with Bangladesh struggling, managing to surpass a total of 100 runs but ultimately succumbing to Muthusamy and Maharaj’s incisive bowling, as Maharaj achieved his 10th five-wicket haul in Tests to seal the victory for South Africa.
This article discusses the recent Test series between South Africa and Bangladesh, where South Africa decisively defeated Bangladesh in the second Test match. The performance of South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, was instrumental in the victory. The match is notable not only for the significant margin of defeat for Bangladesh, but also for South Africa’s resurgence in Test cricket on the subcontinent after a prolonged period without success. The implications of this match highlight Bangladesh’s struggles in the format and South Africa’s return to form.
In conclusion, South Africa’s resounding victory over Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs underscores their dominance in the two-match Test series. With exceptional performances from their bowlers, the Proteas demonstrated their prowess, marking a successful return to subcontinental conditions. Bangladesh, on the other hand, faces crucial introspection following a disappointing series performance and must seek to rectify their batting inadequacies moving forward.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
