South Africa secured a comprehensive victory over Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs, achieving a 2-0 Test series sweep. Bangladesh struggled, losing 16 wickets on the final day and being bowled out for 159 and 143 runs in their two innings. Key performances from Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj highlighted the match, while Bangladesh faced significant challenges, marking one of their worst Test defeats.
In a commanding performance, South Africa triumphed over Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs, thereby completing a 2-0 series sweep in the Test match concluded on Thursday. The match lasted less than three days, with Bangladesh suffering the ignominy of having lost 16 wickets on the final day, marking their second-most significant defeat in terms of innings, trailing only their 310-run loss to the West Indies in 2002. In response to South Africa’s declared total of 575 for 6, Bangladesh was bowled out for 159 shortly after lunch, thus necessitating a follow-on. Their second innings ended at a mere 143 runs within just 44 overs. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada displayed exceptional skill, achieving figures of 5 for 37 in the first innings, while left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj contributed with 5 for 59 in the second innings. The previous Test match had seen South Africa clinch victory by seven wickets, marking their first Test win on the subcontinent since 2014. Starting day three at 38 for 4, Bangladesh’s position deteriorated rapidly, collapsing to 48 for 8, with Rabada claiming his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. A brief partnership of 103 runs for the ninth wicket between Mominul Haque and Taijul Islam delayed the inevitable defeat, with Mominul emerging as the top scorer for Bangladesh with 82 runs, while Taijul added 30. Holding a substantial first-innings lead of 416 runs, South Africa enforced the follow-on, a decision vindicated by their bowlers, who wrapped up the Bangladesh innings in less than two sessions. Senuran Muthusamy, in only his fourth Test match, delivered a career-best performance with bowling figures of 4 for 45, effectively supporting Maharaj’s efforts. Furthermore, although No. 10 batter Hasan Mahmud remained not out at 38 and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 36, reckless shots from the Bangladesh batsmen accentuated their downfall. The bowlers capitalized on the opportunities, dismantling the batting order with efficiency. Despite having navigated Rabada cautiously with some fortune in their second innings, Bangladesh succumbed to the spinners’ onslaught. Dane Paterson initiated the collapse, dismissing opener Shadman Islam for a mere 6 runs—mirroring his first innings dismissal for a duck. Muthusamy subsequently trapped Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 11 runs. Although Mominul fought valiantly with a respectable 82 in the first innings, he was dismissed for a duck on his second attempt within 30 minutes, attempting to assert dominance against Maharaj. Muthusamy continued his impressive performance by trapping Mushfiqur Rahim leg before wicket for just 2 runs, extending Rahim’s struggles, as he has not crossed fifty runs in ten innings since his memorable 191 against Pakistan in August. Although Shanto attempted a counterattack, Muthusamy and Maharaj maintained their grip on the game by dismissing key players, raising concerns of a meager total of under 100 runs for Bangladesh. Muthusamy’s delivery that spun sharply baffled Shanto, resulting in his wicket. Debutant Mahidul Islam contributed 29 runs, and Mahmud showcased some explosive shots, helping the team surpass the 100-run mark. Nonetheless, Maharaj swiftly accounted for Mahidul and Nahid Rana, culminating his 10th Test five-wicket haul and sealing Bangladesh’s fate.
South Africa’s recent cricket matches against Bangladesh had set the stage for a highly anticipated Test series, particularly considering South Africa’s past struggles on the subcontinent. Historical context reveals a stark performance disparity; prior to this series, South Africa had not secured a Test victory in Asia since 2014. The 2-0 series win over Bangladesh thus bears significant weight, marking a critical resurgence for the South African team. This Test match encapsulated South Africa’s dominance with notable individual performances from bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, who exploited the weaknesses in the Bangladeshi batting lineup. In contrast, Bangladesh’s inability to withstand the South African attack raised concerns about their batting technique and decision-making under pressure. This defeat not only represented a disappointing series for Bangladesh but also underscored the challenges they face on the international stage.
In summary, South Africa’s decisive victory over Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs, resulting in a series sweep of 2-0, reflects their dominance in the recent Test matches. The exceptional bowling performances of Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, alongside the support from Senuran Muthusamy, were integral to Bangladesh’s collapse, marking a significant achievement for South Africa. Conversely, Bangladesh must reflect on their batting strategies and overall performance, as this defeat stands as one of the most considerable in their cricketing history. The outcomes of this series could serve as pivotal lessons for the Bangladeshi side in their quest for international cricketing success.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
