South Africa Dominates Bangladesh for Record Test Victory

South Africa achieved a remarkable feat by registering their record Test victory, defeating Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs in Chattogram, thereby maintaining their push for the World Test Championship final. This win surpassed their previous record by 19 runs, also set against Bangladesh in 2017. Beginning day three at 38-4 in their first innings, Bangladesh struggled and quickly slipped to 48-8.

However, a ninth-wicket partnership of 103 runs between Mominul Haque and Taijul Islam helped them reach a total of 159. Kagiso Rabada was instrumental in the South African bowling attack, taking 5 wickets for 37 runs. Following this, South Africa enforced the follow-on and bundled out Bangladesh for just 143 runs in 43.4 overs, sealing the victory decisively.

Left-arm spinners Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy made significant contributions, taking 5-59 and 4-45, respectively as South Africa clinched a 2-0 series win. This victory marks the ninth time South Africa has defeated Bangladesh by an innings out of just 16 Tests played between the two teams. Captain Aiden Markram expressed pride in the team’s performance, stating, “I am incredibly proud— that was special.”

While he acknowledged that qualifying for the World Test Championship final remains a long journey, he emphasized that being in contention for the finals motivates the team. Following this win, South Africa has climbed to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings.

They will need to secure victories in their upcoming four home Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan before January to ensure qualification for the final scheduled in June at Lord’s. Depending on outcomes in other series, three wins and a draw or even three wins and a loss, might suffice for their qualification.