Rabada Shines as South Africa Clinch First Test Win in Asia Since 2014

South Africa Triumphs in Mirpur

South Africa secured a memorable seven-wicket win against Bangladesh in Mirpur, marking their first Test victory in Asia in 10 years. They chased down a target of 106 runs before lunch on the fourth day, thanks to Kagiso Rabada’s impressive bowling, which earned him nine wickets in the match.

The win has pushed South Africa up to fourth place on the World Test Championship (WTC) table. This was their first Test win in the subcontinent in 15 matches, with the last one being a victory over Sri Lanka in Galle in 2014.

Aggressive Batting Seals the Deal

South Africa’s batters showed intent and aggression, chasing down the target in just 22 overs, hitting 15 fours and two sixes along the way. Though they lost three wickets, their positive approach kept them ahead. Tristan Stubbs, who scored 30 not out, stood out with his ability to adapt on unfamiliar pitches.

Bangladesh tried to defend the small total by opening the bowling with Hasan Mahmud and Taijul Islam, their most successful bowler from the first innings. Aiden Markram got South Africa off to a strong start, hitting boundaries off Taijul, who struggled to make an impact early on. However, Taijul eventually bowled Markram for 13, but not before South Africa had already scored 42 runs.

Rabada’s Magic with the Ball

Kagiso Rabada was the star of the match, finishing with a six-for in the second innings. He bowled with pace and skill, making things difficult for the Bangladesh batters. Rabada’s dismissal of Nayeem Hasan early on the fourth day gave him his 15th Test five-wicket haul and also marked his 300th Test wicket.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz put up a fight, scoring 97 before falling short of a century. He attempted a risky shot off Rabada but ended up getting caught at slip. Bangladesh was bowled out for 307, adding just 24 runs to their overnight score.

South Africa’s Recent Test History in Bangladesh

This was only the second time South Africa has played Test cricket in Bangladesh in the last 16 years. The last time they played a Test series here, in 2015, both matches were washed out due to rain. The last time they won a Test series in Bangladesh was in 2008, when they won both games by an innings.

What’s Next for South Africa?

The second Test of the series will start next Tuesday in Chattogram. After that, South Africa will return home to play four Tests, with two matches each against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. If they can win at least four of their next five Tests, they’ll have a strong chance of reaching the WTC final.