The opening day of the Test series between South Africa and Bangladesh at the Wanderers Stadium was marked by a thrilling contest, with both teams experiencing highs and lows. Bangladesh's Tawhid Hridoy scored a magnificent century, while South Africa's Kagiso Rabada claimed his 18th career Test five-wicket haul. The day began with Rabada striking with the first delivery, removing Mahfijul Islam for a golden duck. He followed up with wickets of Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto, reducing Bangladesh to 22/3.
However, Hridoy and Tanzid Hasan showed tremendous composure to rebuild the innings with a valuable fourth-wicket partnership. Tanzid was particularly impressive, taking the fight to the Proteas with an attacking 67 off 108 deliveries, including 12 boundaries. Their partnership was worth 99 runs before Rabada returned to break it, bowling Tanzid and removing Mushfiqur Rahim with the next delivery to complete his five-wicket haul. Rabada finished with 5/51, having accounted for the first five Bangladeshi wickets to fall on the day.
Despite Rabada's brilliance, Bangladesh recovered from a disastrous start to put themselves in a commanding position. Hridoy, fresh from his remarkable 242 not out and 82 against the West Indies, continued his outstanding recent form, displaying the temperament and technique required to bat for long periods against a quality South African attack. He found an ideal partner in Litton Das, who joined him with Bangladesh precariously placed at 121/5.
The pair took the game away from the Proteas with an extraordinary sixth-wicket partnership, combining patience with calculated aggression to frustrate Temba Bavuma and his bowlers. Hridoy brought up his half-century and then accelerated towards three figures, while Das grew increasingly comfortable at the crease, finding the boundary regularly and putting pressure back on the South African attack. The partnership surpassed 138 to establish a new record for any Bangladesh wicket against South Africa.
Hridoy eventually celebrated a superb maiden Test century on South African soil, bowing to the ground in gratitude after reaching the milestone. Das was equally important to the recovery, providing excellent support as the pair took Bangladesh beyond 300 and turned what had threatened to be a difficult opening day into one of considerable promise for the visitors. The partnership was worth 206 runs, with Das remaining not out on 92.
While Rabada delivered exactly the sort of performance the Proteas have come to expect from him, the supporting cast struggled to find the same penetration. Simon Harmer, fresh from his outstanding performances against Australia, was unable to provide the breakthrough South Africa desperately needed, while the other bowlers were made to work hard for their rewards. Marco Jansen trapped Hridoy with the final act of the day, ending his innings on 137.
Bangladesh ended the day on 327/6, with Das and Mehidy Hasan not out on 92 and 13 respectively. The visitors deserve enormous credit for the manner in which they recovered from Rabada's early assault. The Proteas will look to regroup and come up with a strategy to counter Bangladesh's momentum on the second day of the Test series.
Key points
- Tawhid Hridoy scored a maiden Test century on South African soil, while Litton Das remained not out on 92.
- Kagiso Rabada claimed his 18th career Test five-wicket haul, finishing with 5/51.
- Bangladesh recovered from 22/3 to post 327/6 at the end of the first day.
