Bangladesh vs South Africa 1st Test Day Highlights: South Africa Leads by 34 Runs with 6 Wickets Down

 Bangladesh vs South Africa 1st Test Day 1 highlights: Taijul Islam takes a five-wicket haul as South Africa leads by 34 runs with 6 wickets down after Bangladesh was bowled out for 106.

The first day of the Bangladesh vs South Africa 1st Test match saw intense cricket action as both teams battled at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Bangladesh, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, was dismissed for a modest total, while South Africa also struggled with the bat, ending the day with a slim 34-run lead and six wickets down.

Bangladesh vs South Africa: Bangladesh’s Struggles with the Bat: All Out for 106

Bangladesh’s first innings was short-lived, managing to score just 106 runs in 40.1 overs, marking their fifth-lowest Test total at home. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj, who each took three wickets, put relentless pressure on the hosts. The top scorer for Bangladesh was opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who scored 30 runs off 97 deliveries. Despite his resilience, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, with key players like Najmul Hossain Shanto (7), Mushfiqur Rahim (11), and Litton Das (1) struggling against the South African attack.

This score of 106 was reminiscent of Bangladesh’s previous struggles in home Tests, with their lowest ever being 87 against the West Indies in 2002. Bangladesh’s inability to handle the pace and spin of the Proteas left them vulnerable, setting the stage for a tough challenge ahead.

Taijul Islam’s Heroics Bring Bangladesh Back

Despite their low total, Bangladesh’s bowlers refused to let South Africa run away with the match. Taijul Islam, Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner, led a remarkable fightback, taking a stunning five-wicket haul. His brilliant spell rattled the South African batting lineup and prevented them from gaining a significant lead. Taijul’s performance also saw him achieve a major milestone, becoming only the second Bangladeshi bowler to take over 200 Test wickets, following in the footsteps of Shakib Al Hasan.

The day started on a positive note for Bangladesh when Hasan Mahmud dismissed South African captain Aiden Markram in the first over of their innings. This early breakthrough set the tone for a challenging session for South Africa, with Taijul taking over from Mahmud to dismantle the rest of the Proteas’ top and middle order. By the end of Day 1, South Africa had been reduced to 140/6, holding just a slim 34-run lead.

South Africa’s Struggles Against Spin

South Africa’s innings began with a setback as their captain Aiden Markram was dismissed for a duck. While Dean Elgar (39) and Rassie van der Dussen (27) offered some resistance, they couldn’t build a substantial partnership. Taijul Islam’s devastating bowling left South Africa reeling, with the rest of their middle order crumbling under pressure. South Africa’s hopes of building a significant first-innings lead were dashed by the disciplined and aggressive bowling of the Bangladesh attack.

Bangladesh’s Plan for Day 2

With South Africa only 34 runs ahead and four wickets remaining, Bangladesh will be aiming to bowl them out quickly on Day 2. A quick wrap-up of the Proteas’ tailenders would give Bangladesh the opportunity to make a comeback in their second innings and set a competitive total for South Africa to chase.

Despite a shaky start, the hosts still have a chance to claw back into the game, thanks to Taijul Islam’s heroic performance. The momentum is in favor of Bangladesh’s bowlers, and the outcome of the match will largely depend on their ability to dismiss the remaining South African batsmen early on Day 2.