Reporting from Dhaka: The South African squad has arrived in Bangladesh for a full tour, starting with a two-Test series. The first match got underway on October 21 at Dhaka's Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first, sending out openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam. However, their start was short-lived as Wiaan Mulder dominated the early overs, dismissing Shadman Islam (0), Mominul Haque (4), and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (7) in a devastating spell.
The situation grew dire for Bangladesh, sliding to 40-4 before Kagiso Rabada removed Mushfiqur Rahim for 11 runs. This wicket was particularly special, as it represented the 300th Test wicket for South Africa. Rabada maintained his clinical form by quickly claiming Litton Das for only one run, leaving the batting side struggling at 45-5.
While the rest of the lineup faltered, opener Hasan Joy tried to stabilize the innings, eventually falling for 30 runs off 97 balls—including two fours and a six—as the team fought to reach triple digits. The tail was then cleaned up as Keshav Maharaj dismissed Jaker Ali (2) and Taijul Islam (16), while Kagiso Rabada added Nayeem Hassan (8) to his tally.
Ultimately, the hosts were overwhelmed by a superb South African bowling attack, being bundled out for just 106 runs in 40.1 overs. The effort was a collective success, with seamer Wiaan Mulder, pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, and spin bowler Keshav Maharaj each claiming three wickets.
In response, South Africa began their chase of 107 with Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi. Bangladesh struck back immediately, however, as Hasan Mahmud dismissed captain Markram for 6 in the very first over of the innings. The pressure mounted as Taijul Islam stepped up, removing Tristan Stubbs for 23 and trapping David Bedingham for 11 via a thin edge to the keeper.
Taijul continued his dominance in the 28th over, claiming a double blow: he first had Tony de Zorzi caught at short leg for 30 (off 72 balls, including four boundaries) and then clean-bowled the debutant Matthew Breetzke for a duck. He later added Ryan Rickelton to his list of victims, who departed for 27 runs off 49 balls.
By the close of the first day, South Africa had reached 140 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. They head into day two with a comfortable lead of 34 runs, with Kyle Verreynne (32* off 18) and Wiaan Mulder (31* off 17) still at the crease. The day was highlighted by Kagiso Rabada's exceptional contributions, marking a significant milestone in his Test career.