Protea fire in the form of a scorching all-round display with both bat and ball engulfed the Bangladesh Tigers in the first test at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom this past week (28 September – 2 October)

The Bangladeshis could not take the heat and South Africa proceeded to win the first test by a massive 333 runs. Bangladesh was on the back foot from day one, shooting themselves in the foot risking the option to bowl first on a dry and slow pitch that looked perfect for batting to the naked eye.

The Proteas needed no second invitation and the man of the match, Dean Elgar (199 from 388) and debutant, Aiden Markram (97 from 152) gave the home side the perfect start with a massive opening partnership.

Photos: Mario van de Wall

South Africa eventually declared on 496/3 and although Bangladesh posted their highest ever score in South Africa with 320 in reply, they undid all their good work with an abject batting display in the second innings where they needed 424 for victory on the final day. South Africa made 247/6 declared in their second innings and gave the visitors a mountain to climb.

Starting the final morning on 49/3, one would have expected Bangladesh to show more fight but a paltry 90 all out was all they could offer in less than 20 overs as they wilted while the Proteas blossomed.

The Bangladeshi batsmen were dumbfounded as Keshav Maharaj (4/25) and Kagiso Rabada (3/33) put the match to bed halfway through the morning session. In contrast, the Bangladeshi bowlers did not apply enough skill and could only get 9 wickets in the entire match. Ironically, their best batsman Mominul Haque, who hit 77 in the first innings, was their highest wicket-taker in the test with three wickets.

‘It is disappointing to see that we did not apply our skills in this match and failed to show character. We need do to better in the second test. Luckily, the players are motivated enough knowing they represent their country,’ said a deflated Bangladesh captain, Mushfiqur Rahim.

Photos: Barco Greeff

South African captain, Faf du Plessis was all smiles after the first test in what he described as an ‘all-round sparkling performance.’

‘It has been a good first test under the new coach, Ottis Gibson and it has been a seamless transition with him observing the setup and providing input. I enjoy working with him because he likes structure,’ added Du Plessis when quizzed on the influence of the West Indian head coach.

Overall, Potchefstroom played host to an interesting and well-supported test that South Africa dominated for large periods, despite the pitch not being conducive to the home side’s strengths.

‘The pitch was not what we expected as we wanted more pace and bounce to unsettle the Bangladesh batsman. This gave them a better chance to settle into the conditions as it felt more like Bangladesh conditions without the massive spin,’ said Du Plessis.

Interesting Stats:

• Keshav Maharaj became the fourth fastest SA spin bowler to get to 50 wickets, behind Aubrey Faulkner, Hugh Tayfield and Bert Vogler.
• Bangladesh’s losing margin of 333 runs is the third highest in their history.
• Dean Elgar became the first SA batsman and the tenth batsman in test history to be dismissed on 199.

Match Summary

First innings: SA: 496 for 3 declared (Elgar 199, Amla 137)

Islam (1/74)

Mustafizur Rahman (1/98)

Ban: 320 (Mominul 77, Mahmudullah 66, Maharaj 3-92)

Second innings: SA: 247 for 6 dec (du Plessis 81, Bavuma 71)

Ban: 90 (Kayes 32, Maharaj 4-25, Rabada 3-33) SA win by 333 runs.