South Africa Bounce To 4th Position In WTC Standings, After Beating Bangladesh

October 24, 2024: South Africa secured their first Test win in Asia since 2014 by defeating Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series at Dhaka's Shere Bangla National Stadium.

his victory propelled them to fourth place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings, improving their point percentage to 47.62. The win allowed South Africa to overtake New Zealand and England in the standings.

In the match, Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to field, a decision that backfired spectacularly. South Africa's bowlers excelled in the helpful conditions, bowling out Bangladesh for just 106 runs. Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj each took three wickets, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy top-scoring for Bangladesh with 30 runs off 97 balls.

Bangladesh’s spinners responded effectively, with Taijul Islam claiming 5 wickets for 122 runs and Mehidy Hasan adding 2 for 63. However, South Africa's Kyle Verreynne played a crucial innings, scoring 114 runs off 144 balls, supported by Mulder's 54 and Dane Piedt's 32. South Africa finished their innings at 308, establishing a substantial lead of 202 runs.

In Bangladesh's second innings, they struggled again, finding themselves at 112 for 6 at one point. However, Mehidy Hasan resisted with a valiant 97 runs off 191 balls, adding important runs with the lower order, allowing Bangladesh to reach 307. Rabada starred with the ball, taking 6 wickets for 46 runs, marking his best bowling figures in Asia.

Chasing 106 runs to win, South Africa had a smooth path led by Tony de Zorzi, who scored 41 runs off 52 balls, and Tristan Stubbs, who remained not out on 30 off 37 balls. South Africa ultimately won the match by seven wickets.

The second Test between Bangladesh and South Africa is set to take place from October 29 in Chattogram.