A dominant display from South Africa’s new-ball pair, Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder, left Bangladesh reeling on the first day of their Test match at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. The Proteas duo combined to take five wickets, reducing the hosts to 60 for 6 at lunch.
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh’s top order struggled to cope with the swinging conditions. Mulder, in particular, proved to be a thorn in their side, claiming three wickets in the opening hour. Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, and Najmul Hossain Shanto all fell to Mulder’s deliveries.
Rabada, meanwhile, made his presence felt with his pace and accuracy. He dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim, reaching a significant milestone of 300 Test wickets in the process. Litton Das was also sent packing by Rabada, thanks to a brilliant catch from Tristan Stubbs.
Despite a brief resistance from Mahmudul Hasan and Mehidy Hasan, South Africa maintained their dominance. Keshav Maharaj’s wicket in the final over of the session ensured that Bangladesh would go into lunch facing a daunting task to recover.
