At the close of the second day, Bangladesh found themselves trailing by 101 runs with seven wickets in hand, ending the day at 101 for 3 in their second innings after being bowled out for 106 in the first. South Africa had earlier posted 308, largely thanks to a stellar century from Kyle Verreynne and contributions from Wiaan Mulder and lower-order batter Dane Piedt. Kagiso Rabada further put Bangladesh on the back foot with two early wickets.
Just before the umpires called off play due to poor light, an intense moment unfolded. Bangladesh’s Mahmudul Hasan Joy, batting on 38, misjudged a delivery from Piedt and missed a wild swing. The ball bounced high, allowing wicketkeeper Verreynne to collect it cleanly and attempt a stumping. After several tense replays, the third umpire ruled Mahmudul not out, as his bat, though briefly grounded, had lifted slightly behind the crease. Verreynne’s frustrated expression showed how close it had been.
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Verreynne’s Dominance with the Bat
The day undoubtedly belonged to Verreynne, who registered his second Test century. He showcased a composed yet aggressive approach, sweeping frequently against Bangladesh’s spinners. His 114 off 144 balls was pivotal in taking South Africa from a precarious 108 for 6 to a commanding total of 308. Alongside Mulder, who scored his maiden half-century, Verreynne helped build crucial partnerships, with Piedt also frustrating the Bangladeshi bowlers late in the innings.
Verreynne’s century came off a precise paddle sweep off Taijul Islam, making him only the third South African wicketkeeper-batter to score a Test hundred in Asia. His powerful hitting after reaching three figures, including two massive sixes, lifted South Africa to a dominant position. One six came from a slog-sweep off Nayeem Hasan, while the other was a pull off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mehidy eventually ended the innings by having Verreynne stumped after a well-paced 66-run ninth-wicket stand with Piedt.
Rabada’s Early Strikes Push Bangladesh Back
In response, Bangladesh’s top order crumbled again, as Rabada wreaked havoc with the new ball. Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque fell cheaply within the first four overs, replicating their struggles from the first innings. Rabada’s ability to extract pace and bounce troubled both batters. Shadman inside-edged a delivery to short leg, where Tony de Zorzi took a sharp catch. Three balls later, Mominul edged one to third slip, where Mulder took a low catch.
Despite the early blows, Mahmudul and Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the innings with a 55-run stand. However, just as things seemed to be settling for Bangladesh, Keshav Maharaj trapped Shanto leg-before with a ball that sharply turned in. Shanto, who had opened up his stance to defend, was caught off balance, and the review couldn’t save him.
Mushfiqur Rahim, known for his attacking play, then joined Mahmudul at the crease and played a quickfire 31 from just 26 balls. Their unbeaten partnership of 42 ensured that Bangladesh did not lose any more wickets before stumps, but they remain under significant pressure.
A Frustrating Morning for Bangladesh
Earlier in the day, Verreynne and Mulder had continued from their overnight partnership, taking the total to 227 before Mahmud made an impact. Mulder, after reaching his half-century, edged a back-of-length delivery to wide slip, where Mominul took the catch. Mahmud then removed Maharaj with a fuller, reversing ball that uprooted the off stump.
But Piedt, coming in at No. 10, proved a thorn in Bangladesh’s side. He batted for 87 deliveries, scoring 32 before being trapped lbw by Mehidy. Piedt reviewed the decision, but it stood on the umpire’s call. Verreynne, after hitting two sixes, was eventually stumped by Litton Das, ending South Africa’s innings at 308.
Despite Bangladesh’s resistance in the final session, they have a tough task ahead, with 101 runs still separating them from South Africa’s total and seven wickets in hand. Day three will be crucial for Bangladesh, who need their middle-order to step up if they are to avoid a massive defeat.
Stumps Score:
Bangladesh 106 & 101/3 (Mahmudul 38*, Mushfiqur 31*, Rabada 2-10) trail South Africa 308 (Verreynne 114, Mulder 54, Taijul 5-122, Mahmud 3-66, Mehidy 2-63) by 101 runs.
