NEW DELHI: South African wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne‘s determined century helped his team establish a commanding position on the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Verreynne’s 114 runs guided South Africa to a total of 308, giving them a substantial 202-run lead over Bangladesh’s first innings score of 106.
In response, Bangladesh struggled early in their second innings, with Kagiso Rabada, who had reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets on the first day, taking two quick wickets to leave them reeling at 4-2.
However, opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship with an unbeaten 42-run partnership, taking Bangladesh to 101-3 at the close of play due to bad light. Joy will resume on 38 not out, while Rahim remains unbeaten on 31.
Earlier on Tuesday, Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder showcased their resilience, extending their overnight partnership to 119 runs and taking South Africa from 140-6 to 227-7. Mulder achieved his maiden Test half-century, scoring 54 before falling to Hasan Mahmud.
Verreynne then formed a crucial 66-run ninth-wicket stand with Dane Piedt, who contributed 32 runs and helped Verreynne reach his second Test century off 134 balls. Verreynne was eventually stumped off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, bringing the visitors’ innings to a close.
Despite his efforts, Taijul Islam, Bangladesh’s best bowler with figures of 5-122 in 36 overs, was unable to add to his wicket tally on Tuesday.
The Test in Dhaka is the first of a two-match series, with the second match scheduled to take place in Chittagong next week.