Kagiso Rabada delivered a stellar performance, taking six wickets to help South Africa secure their first Test victory in Asia since 2014. South Africa comfortably chased down a target of 106 runs, finishing at 106 for 3 in just 22 overs and sealing the match before lunch on the fourth day in Mirpur.
In their first innings, South Africa scored 308, led by Kyle Verreynne’s impressive 114 and Wiaan Mulder’s 54. Bangladesh, batting first, managed just 106 runs, with Mulder taking 3 for 22 and Rabada contributing 3 for 26. In their second innings, Bangladesh made 307, with Mehidy Hasan scoring 97 and Jaker Ali 58, but Rabada’s 6 for 46 ensured the visitors won by seven wickets.
This victory marked South Africa’s first win in the subcontinent in 15 Tests, a streak that dated back to their triumph over Sri Lanka in Galle a decade ago. The team moved up to fourth place on the World Test Championship table after this decisive win.
From the outset, South Africa’s batting showcased aggression, hitting 15 fours and two sixes at nearly five runs per over. Although they lost three of their top four batsmen, the players adapted well to the unfamiliar conditions. Tristan Stubbs, batting at No. 3, remained unbeaten on 30 and demonstrated his ability to adjust to the situation.
Bangladesh opened their bowling with Hasan Mahmud, their only fast bowler, and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, who had been their most effective bowler in the first innings. South Africa quickly took charge, with Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi forming a solid opening partnership that put up 42 runs in the first ten overs.
Despite an early lbw appeal against Markram being overturned on review, South Africa remained undeterred. The partnership was eventually broken when Taijul bowled Markram through the gate, leaving South Africa 65 runs short of their target.
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De Zorzi and Stubbs built a partnership of 29 runs, but De Zorzi’s ambitious attempt to hit Taijul out of the ground led to his dismissal. Nevertheless, Stubbs continued to score steadily, taking ten runs off Taijul’s subsequent over.
With victory just nine runs away, David Bedingham was caught edging a good delivery from Taijul, who finished with impressive match figures of 8 for 165. Earlier, South Africa had quickly bowled out Bangladesh for just over 100 runs, keeping the target manageable after a fight from Bangladesh’s lower-middle order.
On the fourth morning, Rabada capitalized on the availability of the second new ball, claiming his 15th Test five-wicket haul. He also celebrated his 300th Test wicket, cementing his position as one of the top bowlers in the game.
Mehidy, batting in the 90s, tried to accelerate but was caught trying to ramp a delivery from Rabada, falling just short of his century at 97.
With the series continuing, South Africa looks forward to the second Test in Chattogram next Tuesday, aiming to build on this victory as they pursue a chance at the World Test Championship final, with four home Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan on the horizon.
