Twitter reactions: Kyle Verreynne’s brilliant ton and Kagiso Rabada’s early strikes put South Africa in command on Day 2 of the first Test

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The second day of the first Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa was a gripping affair that showcased a fine display of batting by South Africa and some fighting spirit from Bangladesh as the game seesawed back and forth. At stumps, Bangladesh found themselves trailing by 101 runs with seven wickets in hand, as bad light forced an early end to the day’s proceedings.

Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder’s crucial partnership

South Africa resumed their first innings on Day 2 at 140/6, already with a 34-run lead over Bangladesh, who were dismissed for just 106 on Day 1. The visitors consolidated their position thanks to a stellar performance by wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne, who anchored the innings with a superb century. Verreynne’s aggressive yet controlled knock of 114 off 144 balls, featuring 8 fours and 2 sixes, was the backbone of South Africa’s strong recovery. He received crucial support from all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, whose patient 54 off 112 balls included 8 boundaries.

Together, Verreynne and Mulder stitched a vital partnership that put South Africa firmly in the driver’s seat. The pair helped their side add 168 runs to their overnight score, eventually reaching 308 before the innings wrapped up. Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to break the partnership for a significant part of the day, but Taijul Islam stood out with his persistence, finishing with impressive figures of 5/122 from 36 overs. Hasan Mahmud was the other major contributor, claiming 3 wickets from his 19 overs, but the hosts found themselves under pressure with South Africa holding a commanding 202-run lead.

Kagiso Rabada strikes early in Bangladesh’s 2nd innings

Facing a significant deficit, Bangladesh’s top order was put to the test in the second innings. They showed more resilience compared to their first outing, but South Africa’s bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, ensured that wickets fell at regular intervals. Rabada’s relentless pace and accuracy saw him pick up 2 wickets for just 10 runs in his 7 overs, making life difficult for Bangladesh.

By the time bad light forced the players to walk off the field, Bangladesh were 101/3. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was unbeaten on 38, playing a determined knock, while the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim provided solid support with 31 not out.

With Bangladesh still trailing by 101 runs, their survival and hopes rest heavily on these two batter as the match heads into Day 3.

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