South Africa delivered a clinical performance to secure a massive victory over Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs, wrapping up the series 2-0 inside just three days. Dominating from start to finish, the Proteas outclassed Bangladesh with both bat and ball in the second Test, ending Bangladesh’s resistance and setting a strong tone for their upcoming fixtures.
South Africa’s Dominance from Day One
South Africa’s innings was built on an imposing total of 575-6 declared, with their top-order batsmen firing on all cylinders. After that, the hosts turned to their bowlers, who responded emphatically, bundling Bangladesh out for a meager 158 in their first innings. Kagiso Rabada’s fiery spell of 5-37 set the stage, and Bangladesh were forced to follow on, trailing by a daunting 416 runs.
Bangladesh’s Collapse and Follow-On Woes
On the third day, the South African bowlers tore through Bangladesh’s lineup again, dismissing them for 143 in just 44 overs in the second innings. Bangladesh’s inability to counter South Africa’s relentless bowling attack led to their second-worst Test defeat, after a loss to the West Indies by an innings and 310 runs in 2002.
South Africa’s spin department played a starring role in the second innings, with Keshav Maharaj picking up 5-59 and left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy claiming a career-best 4-45. Maharaj’s control and variation baffled Bangladesh, while Muthusamy provided perfect support, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Mominul and Taijul’s Resistance Falls Short
Despite Bangladesh’s struggles, a 103-run ninth-wicket partnership between Mominul Haque and Taijul Islam offered some resistance in the first innings. Mominul fought hard, scoring a team-best 82, while Taijul chipped in with 30. However, once this partnership was broken, Bangladesh’s hopes of a competitive reply evaporated.
When forced to follow on, Bangladesh’s batsmen again failed to find solutions. Mominul, who had held firm in the first innings, was dismissed for a duck on his return to the crease, a reflection of Bangladesh’s day as they struggled to navigate South Africa’s varied bowling attack.
Spin Magic and Rabada’s Raw Pace
After Rabada’s relentless pace rocked Bangladesh in the first innings, South Africa’s spinners took over in the second. Maharaj and Muthusamy exploited the pitch’s turn, making scoring nearly impossible. Muthusamy’s impressive dismissal of Shanto and Maharaj’s accurate bowling left Bangladesh with little room to breathe. Bangladesh’s shots became increasingly desperate, with risky decisions contributing to their downfall.
The Proteas’ comprehensive victory not only highlighted their form but also underscored the quality of their bowling lineup, as they clinched a Test series win on the subcontinent for the first time since 2014. Rabada’s unrelenting pace, combined with the spin duo’s magic, made this a near-perfect series for South Africa.
Bangladesh’s Batting Woes Continue
Bangladesh’s defeat highlighted some troubling trends in their batting. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 36 was one of the few scores above 30, while other experienced players, including Mushfiqur Rahim, struggled. Mushfiqur’s form is particularly concerning, as he has gone 10 innings without a half-century since his 191 against Pakistan in August.
With young players like Mahidul Islam (29) and Hasan Mahmud (38*) showing some fight, there are glimmers of hope, but Bangladesh’s inability to withstand a quality attack remains a pressing issue.
What’s Next for the Proteas?
South Africa’s emphatic win was a statement. Their pace attack, spin depth, and solid batting performances have given them momentum heading into future series. With the young Muthusamy stepping up alongside Maharaj and Rabada, South Africa’s depth and versatility make them a formidable opponent for any team.
This series sweep marks a high point for South Africa, leaving fans excited for what’s to come as they seek to regain their place as a powerhouse in world cricket.
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