BAN vs SA | Twitter reacts to Mulder ton and new ball magic leave Bangladesh reeling on second day

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

Yesterday at 4:35 PM

South Africa dominated with the bat, bolstered by centuries from Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, and Wiaan Mulder, reaching a total of 577/6. However, Bangladesh struggled early in their innings, losing four wickets within ten overs to close the day at a precarious 38/4, trailing by 537 runs.

The Proteas dominated on the opening day, thanks to impressive centuries from Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs. While Stubbs couldn't extend his innings after his hundred, overnight batters de Zorzi and David Bedingham resumed play on day two. The left-handed de Zorzi continued his strong form, reaching 150 off 235 balls. Bedingham also looked sharp, bringing up his fifty off 70 deliveries. However, Taijul Islam ended their 116-run stand by dismissing the right-hander for 59. The Bangladeshi spinner struck again, sending de Zorzi back for a well-made 177, and soon after, claimed Kyle Verreynne for duck. By lunch, Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder had South Africa at 413/5.

After Lunch, the visitors lost another wicket as Nahid Rana dismissed Rickelton, whose struggles in the middle order continued. Following the southpaw's departure, Mulder and Senuran Muthusamy took charge, putting pressure on the Bangladeshi bowlers. The pair excelled with their running between the wickets while also hitting occasional boundaries. Mulder reached a half-century off 83 balls as South Africa surged to 488/6. The Bangladesh bowlers appeared helpless against the duo’s onslaught, which aimed to build a solid total before Tea. Mulder and Muthusamy combined for a 104-run partnership, elevating the score to 527/6 in 135 overs as Tea was called.

Soon after, Mulder and Muthusamy switched into an attacking approach, lifting the Proteas to 557/6 and setting a record for the highest seventh-wicket partnership in Chattogram. Mulder reached his maiden Test century in style with a six, prompting skipper Aiden Markram to declare the innings at a formidable 577/6. Bangladesh’s response started poorly, losing Shadman Islam in the first over to Rabada. The struggles continued as Rabada struck again, dismissing Zakir Hasan in the fifth over, followed by Dane Paterson outwitting Mahmudul Hasan Joy for a low score, leaving Bangladesh at 32/3. Due to fading light, spin was introduced, and Keshav Maharaj quickly claimed nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud before the light dimmed and the umpires called stumps with Bangladesh reeling at 38/4, and trailing by 539 runs.

What a performance overall!

Highest totals for South Africa in Asia

584/9d vs PAK, Abu Dhabi, 2010

583/7d vs BAN, Chattogram, 2008

577/6d vs BAN, Chattogram, 2024*

558/6d vs IND, Nagpur, 2010

540 vs IND, Chennai, 2008
— Shashikant Singh (@shashi_CB)

Great!

14th 5-fers in Tests for Taijul Islam 5/196.
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan)

What a play from all these!

3 maiden centuries 😍😍😍
— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin)

Great delivery!

Perfect ball by Maharaj - WOW. 32/4
— Sivuyile - Siviwe (@ssimandla)

Yeah!

Proteas all over Bangladesh 29 for 3. WTC final chance next year very much alive
— John Wright (@johnwright15)

Yeah! Hahaha!

Kagiso Rabada is unreal man
— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin)

LOL!

Save Tigers!!!
— Mr. A 🇮🇳🏏 (@cricdrugs)

No comments!

Only Bangladeshi idiots could make a batting paradise look like a hell for batters. Absolute morons how do you get out on this pitch ? Bowlers are barely getting any purchase from the surface
— S4 (@Sak1f_4our)

Yeah!