A hard-fought century from wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne on Tuesday propelled South Africa to a dominant position in the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Verreynne’s knock of 114 runs proved to be the cornerstone of South Africa’s impressive performance, guiding them to a 202-run first-innings lead.
The visitors, who resumed at 140-6, displayed remarkable resilience to be bowled out for 308. Bangladesh’s bowlers, despite their best efforts, were unable to contain the South African batting order. Verreynne’s century came in the backdrop of a challenging start to the day, with 16 wickets falling on the opening day. The wicketkeeper’s resolute innings, in partnership with Wiaan Mulder, shifted the momentum decisively in South Africa’s favor.
Verreynne and Mulder added a crucial 119 runs to the overnight score, taking South Africa from 140-6 to 227-7. Mulder, in his maiden Test, reached a half-century before falling for 54. Verreynne then forged another vital partnership, this time with Dane Piedt, for a 66-run ninth wicket stand. Piedt’s contribution of 32 runs helped Verreynne reach his second Test century, which he achieved in 134 balls.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack, despite the efforts of Taijul Islam who finished with figures of 5-122, failed to make significant breakthroughs. The visitors were eventually dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who stumped Verreynne to bring an end to their innings.
In their second innings, Bangladesh found themselves in a precarious position after losing two early wickets. Kagiso Rabada, who achieved the milestone of 300 Test wickets on the first day, struck twice in his second over, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 4-2. However, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who top-scored in the first innings, and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim stabilized the innings with an unbeaten partnership of 42 runs.
Play was eventually brought to a close due to bad light, with Bangladesh trailing by 101 runs. Joy will resume on 38 not out and Rahim on 31, as they look to steer their team out of trouble on the third day.
The first Test in Dhaka is a crucial encounter in the two-match series, with the second Test scheduled to take place in Chittagong next week. The South African team, powered by Verreynne’s century, will be confident of carrying their momentum forward in the series.
