It was a momentous occasion for South Africa's batting order, as Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs each celebrated their maiden Test centuries in Chattogram. With eight and five Test caps respectively, these rising stars anchored South Africa's innings with a third-highest second-wicket partnership of 201 runs in Asia. Their stellar performances have put South Africa in an ideal spot to aim for a series sweep against Bangladesh.
SA vs Bangladesh Test: De Zorzi, Stubbs' Centuries
Cricket • 29 Oct, 2024 • 31,179 Views • ⭐ 5.0
Written by Shivani Chourasia
Taking full advantage of the favorable batting conditions with minimal movement and turn, the two capitalized on a pitch that offered little help to the bowlers. Bangladesh's attack struggled to make a dent, with only Taijul Islam managing to pick up wickets. Despite bowling his heart out, Nahid Rana remained wicketless, despite bowling at speeds of up to 148 kph. Hasan Mahmud had a tough day as well, with De Zorzi surviving two drops on his way to an unbeaten 141.
Early Dominance by South Africa
South Africa began the day confidently, with Aiden Markram, leading the team in Temba Bavuma’s absence, and de Zorzi maintaining a brisk pace. Scoring at 4.6 runs an over, they racked up 60 runs before the first drinks break. The only scare came when Hasan found de Zorzi’s edge early on, but debutant wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam couldn’t hold on. Bangladesh soon turned to spin, which paid off as Taijul got Markram to mistime a shot, leading to his dismissal.
Markram’s wicket allowed Bangladesh to slow things down, particularly during Stubbs' initial cautious approach. While it took some time for him to find his rhythm, he broke through with a reverse sweep off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. De Zorzi reached his third Test fifty just after lunch, and both batters continued to chip away at Bangladesh's bowling.
Bangladesh’s Struggles and South Africa’s Patience
The post-lunch session saw both sides in a grind, with South Africa struggling to find boundaries as they faced Rana’s pace and Taijul’s subtle turn. Nahid adjusted his lengths well but could not create many wicket opportunities. In contrast, Hasan Mahmud managed to induce a couple of close chances, only to see them dropped in the slips.