Twitter reactions: Wiaan Mulder, bowlers shine as South Africa tighten their grip over Bangladesh on Day 2 of the 2nd Test

South Africa concluded Day 2 of the second Test against Bangladesh in a commanding position, having declared their innings at 575/6, led by Wiaan Mulder’s century and a series of impactful contributions from the top and middle order. In response, Bangladesh faced a testing nine-over session, faltering to 38/4 by stumps. South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Kagiso Rabada, put Bangladesh’s top order under immense pressure, setting the visitors up for a dominant day in Chattogram.

South Africa’s dominant batting display led by Wiann Mulder

Beginning Day 2 at 307/2, South Africa continued to build upon their strong foundation. Tony de Zorzi, who scored a magnificent 177, held the innings together before being dismissed by Taijul Islam, who eventually claimed five wickets. Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham provided valuable support, adding 106 and 59 runs, respectively, which enabled South Africa to mount a massive total. Wiaan Mulder and Senuran Muthusamy capitalized on Bangladesh’s weary bowling attack, compiling an unbeaten 7th-wicket partnership of 150 runs, with Mulder reaching a well-deserved 105 not out. South Africa’s depth and patience with the bat left Bangladesh with an imposing target.

Taijul Islam’s lone battle in an otherwise struggling bowling attack

Taijul Islam stood out in Bangladesh’s bowling effort, claiming five wickets over his lengthy 52-over spell. His perseverance brought some breakthroughs, dismissing key players like Markram, de Zorzi, and Stubbs. However, the lack of support from other bowlers, including Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud, allowed South Africa’s batters to settle in. Nahid Rana managed a solitary wicket, but expensive spells from the rest of the lineup highlighted Bangladesh’s struggles to contain South Africa’s onslaught, leading to the daunting total.

Also READ: Fans react as Wiaan Mulder hits his maiden century on Day 2 of the second Test – BAN vs SA

Bangladesh’s top order collapses under pressure

The start of Bangladesh’s innings quickly turned disastrous as South Africa’s pace attack, led by Rabada, struck early. Rabada claimed two wickets, dismissing both Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan. Dane Paterson and Keshav Maharaj added to the pressure, each securing a wicket to reduce Bangladesh to 38/4 by stumps. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque managed to survive the remainder of the day, but with Bangladesh trailing by 537 runs, they face an uphill battle to avoid a follow-on and keep South Africa from tightening their grip on the match.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also WATCH: BAN vs SA – Taijul Islam bowls an absolute ripper to dismiss David Bedingham on Day 2 of the second Test

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