In their second Test match against South Africa, Bangladesh struggled significantly, finishing day two at 38-4 in response to South Africa’s formidable total of 575-6. This poor performance occurred with four wickets lost within seven overs, trailing by 537 runs. South Africa’s innings included three maiden Test centuries, with Tony de Zorzi scoring 177 runs before lunch.
In the second Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa, Bangladesh encountered significant difficulties in their batting response to South Africa’s substantial first innings total of 575-6, concluding the second day at Chattogram with a precarious score of 38-4. The hosts suffered the loss of four wickets within the initial seven overs, with play being curtailed due to bad light, leaving Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto to commence proceedings on Thursday. Currently, Bangladesh trails by 537 runs, following a dominant performance by South Africa that included the achievement of maiden Test centuries by three of their batsmen. Notably, Tony de Zorzi top-scored with an impressive 177 runs before being dismissed just prior to lunch. South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada initiated Bangladesh’s collapse, claiming the wicket of Shadman Islam for a duck with a delivery that edged to the leg side. Zakir Hasan fell shortly afterward, scoring only two runs as he edged another Rabada delivery. Mahmudul Hasan Joy managed to contribute a mere 10 runs before being dismissed by Dane Paterson’s outside-off delivery, finding a thick edge to Aiden Markram at slip. Hasan Mahmud, sent in as a nightwatchman, was deceived by the turn of Keshav Maharaj and was dismissed early in the innings. South Africa’s imposing total marked their second-highest score against Bangladesh, trailing only the 583-7 they achieved against them in 2008 at the same venue. Additionally, Wiaan Mulder contributed to the innings significantly, recording his maiden century, while Senuran Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 68 off 75 balls, displaying an aggressive batting style with five fours and two sixes. The only wicket to fall in the second session belonged to Ryan Rickelton, who scored 12 runs before edging a delivery to the keeper. In a noteworthy performance, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed three wickets in a mere three overs, achieving his second five-wicket haul of the series and demolishing David Bedingham’s stumps during what was a crucial phase of South Africa’s innings. Bedingham managed to score 59 runs off 78 balls, helping propel South Africa to a formidable total while De Zorzi’s innings featured four sixes and 12 fours off 269 balls. In their previous encounter, South Africa triumphed in the opening Test within four days, highlighted by Rabada’s stellar bowling performance of 6-46 in the second innings. Bangladesh has historically struggled in Chattogram, having only secured two victories out of 24 Tests played at that venue, with seven matches ending in a draw.
The ongoing Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa is a critical series for both teams. South Africa’s first innings score of 575-6 set a high bar for the Bangladeshi side, contributing to the pressure they now face. Their inability to withstand South Africa’s bowling attack reflects a broader challenge that the team has faced in Test cricket, specifically on home soil. This match serves as a crucial point for Bangladesh in continuing to develop their Test capabilities against historically stronger teams like South Africa.
In summary, Bangladesh’s batting struggles against South Africa on day two of the second Test were pronounced, as they ended the day with a dismal score of 38-4 in reply to a significant first innings total of 575-6. Despite notable individual performances from South African batsmen and bowlers, Bangladesh will need to regroup quickly to avoid a similar fate as they experienced in the previous Test. Their historical record in Chattogram poses additional concern as they aim to secure a better performance moving forward in the match.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
