In the first match of the 1st Test Bangladesh’s batting team faced an initial issue in their line up in the first day of the series while Wiaan Mulder was performing the all responsibilities for South Africa.
Sustained by Mulder’s disciplined bowling and accurate line and length, the visitors found the Bangladeshi batting order’s weaknesses to the fullest as the hosts were reduced to a precarious 63 for 3.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss for his team and chose to bat first, perhaps due to the decks’ condition at the venue which looked dry though.
If batting was a problem in the third innings it was considered that it would be an even bigger problem in the fourth innings.
Shanto is optimistic about his side’s preparation, pointing to their showing against Pakistan, plus most of the players have been preparing for this series since the Indian tour.
Nevertheless, such preparation proved in vain as Bangladesh failed to build up the required momentum early on, being put under pressure of early losing wickets.
Bangladesh felt the absence of Shakib Al Hasan as they entered their final preparation ahead of the Zimbabwe tour.
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Bangladesh’s team went into disarray before they even started their match with Shakib, the all-rounder for them, not included.
His absence was felt throughout, especially in the middle order due to his calm demeanor and maturity display was much needed for the team.
There was something about South Africa’s aggression that seemed to put Bangladesh’s middle order under massive pressure whenever Shakib was not on the field.
While some of the Bangladeshi batsmen showed signs of success, few could push on to reach big scores quickly, as South Africa’s bowlers kept them in check.
Even the South African attack, captained by Wiaan Mulder, would do well to make hay while the sun shines.
It proved testing for the Bangladesh batsmen with Mulder’s ability to vary his pace and length effectively, and he picked up three wickets at important stages.
South African Bowlers Maintain Tight Rein On Batting Opposition
South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, was glad with his bowlers.
Besides Mulder, Rabada’s pace bowling and Maharaj’s slow left-arm orthodox troubled the Bangladesh batsmen throughout.
While Bangladesh came up with some spirited performances, South Africa established control over the run rate and struck somewhat at ‘pin-from-their-like.
Bangladesh will be praying for their lower order to come good as the day goes along, while South Africa will be aiming to once again put the home side on the back foot early in the series.
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References:
OutlookIndia.com
News18.com