The opening Test of the South Africa tour of Bangladesh 2024 delivered thrilling cricket at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. South Africa emerged victorious by seven wickets, showcasing their depth and resilience across all departments. This article dissects the match, examines key moments, and highlights performances while drawing parallels to the evergreen rivalry of the Indian national cricket team vs Australian men’s cricket team match scorecard.
South Africa National Cricket Team vs. Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Toss and Conditions
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat on a surface that initially seemed conducive for batting but later proved tricky with inconsistent bounce and sharp turn. The venue, Dhaka, has a history of favoring spinners, making this decision a bold one.
Bangladesh’s First Innings: A Struggle
Bangladesh crumbled under a disciplined South African bowling attack, managing only 106 runs in 40.1 overs. The innings was highlighted by wickets falling at regular intervals, with no batter except Mahmudul Hasan Joy (30 off 97) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (13 off 24) crossing double figures.
Key Stats from Bangladesh’s First Innings:
| Batter | Runs (Balls) | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahmudul Hasan Joy | 30 (97) | 2 | 1 | 30.93 |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | 13 (24) | 3 | 0 | 54.17 |
| Litton Das | 1 (13) | 0 | 0 | 7.69 |
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada and spinner Keshav Maharaj were instrumental, picking up four wickets each. The collapse mirrored situations often seen in high-pressure games like India vs Australia Tests, where the opposition capitalizes on one team’s early vulnerability.
South Africa’s Dominant Reply
South Africa responded strongly with 308 all out in 88.4 overs, establishing a lead of 202 runs. Skipper Aiden Markram led from the front with 67 off 100 balls, setting the foundation for their dominance. Despite a middle-order wobble, Kyle Verreynne’s 114 off 144 ensured a commanding position.
Key Stats from South Africa’s First Innings:
| Batter | Runs (Balls) | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | 67 (100) | 10 | 0 | 85.71 |
| Kyle Verreynne | 114 (144) | 14 | 2 | 79.17 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 54 (112) | 8 | 0 | 48.21 |
Bangladesh’s spinner Taijul Islam shone with figures of 5/122, exploiting the turning track to create opportunities.
Bangladesh’s Resilient Second Innings
Determined to bounce back, Bangladesh fought hard in their second innings, scoring 307 runs in 89.5 overs. This effort was led by a sensational knock from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored a gutsy 97 off 119 deliveries. Contributions from Jaker Ali (58 off 111) and Taijul Islam (77 off 110) showcased Bangladesh’s depth and grit.
Key Stats from Bangladesh’s Second Innings:
| Batter | Runs (Balls) | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | 97 (119) | 19 | 1 | 150.79 |
| Jaker Ali | 58 (111) | 7 | 0 | 52.25 |
| Taijul Islam | 77 (110) | 10 | 0 | 100.00 |
Despite their spirited effort, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (5/46) and Keshav Maharaj (3/105) proved too hot to handle, ensuring a manageable target for their team.
South Africa’s Chase: Calm and Composed
Chasing 106, South Africa secured victory in just 22 overs, losing three wickets. Aiden Markram (20 off 27) and Tony de Zorzi (41 off 52) ensured a steady start, while Tristan Stubbs finished the chase with an unbeaten 30 off 37.
Key Stats from South Africa’s Second Innings:
| Batter | Runs (Balls) | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony de Zorzi | 41 (52) | 7 | 0 | 78.85 |
| Tristan Stubbs | 30 (37) | 4 | 1 | 81.08 |
Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam tried to stall South Africa’s momentum with three wickets, but the target proved too small to defend.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa’s Bowling Masterclass: Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj displayed exceptional skill, reminiscent of performances seen during India vs Australia Test rivalries, where bowlers dominate challenging conditions.
- Resilience from Bangladesh’s Lower Order: The lower-order fightback in the second innings highlighted the team’s ability to adapt under pressure, drawing comparisons to iconic comebacks by the Indian tailenders in memorable Tests.
- Kyle Verreynne’s Century underlined the importance of partnerships in grinding out tough matches.
Comparison with India vs Australia Rivalry
The match showcased moments that mirrored classic India national cricket team vs Australian men’s cricket team match scorecards. South Africa’s approach, much like Australia’s, was aggressive yet calculated. Bangladesh, like India, showcased resilience but struggled to maintain consistency in crucial phases.
Individual brilliance (like Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 97 or Kyle Verreynne’s 114) often shapes the outcome in both rivalries. Spinners like Taijul Islam and Keshav Maharaj proved pivotal, similar to Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon’s battles in India-Australia encounters.
Match Facts
- Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
- Dates: October 21-24, 2024
- Result: South Africa won by 7 wickets
- Man of the Match: Kyle Verreynne
Final Thoughts
The Bangladesh vs. South Africa, 1st Test, highlighted Test cricket’s dynamics with its momentum shifts and individual brilliance. For fans of cricket rivalries like India vs. Australia, this match served as a reminder of how grit, strategy, and execution define success in the longest format of the game. As the series progresses, Bangladesh will aim to regroup and challenge South Africa, hoping to create moments reminiscent of the iconic India-Australia battles.
