On the first day of the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa, the visitors proved to be the dominant force. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Bangladesh struggled to get going against a strong South African bowling attack. However, it was the young all-rounder Wiaan Mulder who stole the show, picking up early wickets and putting the hosts on the back foot. Follow our live coverage for all the updates from the first day's play.
Bangladesh vs South Africa: South Africa Dominates on Day 1 of First Test
On the opening day of the first Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa in Chattogram, the visitors asserted their dominance by dismissing the home team for a meager 298 runs.
Bangladesh, who had won the toss and opted to bat, found themselves in early trouble against a formidable South African bowling attack. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi struck early, removing the top-order batsmen cheaply.
The young all-rounder Wiaan Mulder emerged as the standout performer for South Africa, taking 3/62 with his medium pace. Mulder's breakthroughs, including the wickets of Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das, put Bangladesh on the back foot.
Mushfiqur, Bangladesh's most experienced batsman, was dismissed for just 24, while Das, their leading run-scorer in recent times, could only manage 15.
Only Mahmudullah Riyad offered significant resistance for Bangladesh, scoring a gritty 65. The middle and lower order failed to provide substantial support, with only Nurul Hasan (35) and Ebadot Hossain (35) reaching double figures.
South Africa, in response, closed the day on 9/0, with Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram surviving the remaining overs.
Background
This Test series marks the first time South Africa has toured Bangladesh since 2017. The previous two-match series ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams winning home games.
Bangladesh has been in poor form in recent months, having lost their last two Test series against West Indies and Afghanistan. South Africa, on the other hand, has won their last three Test series, including a 2-0 victory over India in January.
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