South Africa register first ever Test win on Asian soil in 10 years, Bangladesh outclassed by 7 wickets

It was a moment of joy for the visitors as South Africa produced a special victory against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur to take an early 1-0 lead in a two-match Test series. The match came to a close during the early hours of day four as South Africa managed to get the most out of the second new ball to wind up the Bangladeshi tail in quick time. Needing only a meager 106, South Africa comfortably got home with seven wickets to spare. Kyle Verreynne was the standout batter for South Africa as his 114 not only bailed the visitors out of imminent danger but also put them on the patch of an emphatic win. 

This victory also marked the first Test win for the Proteas in 10 years on Asia soil. The last time the African nation emerged victorious in the subcontinent was way back in 2014 against Sri Lanka in Galle. In the process, South Africa have also managed to put an end to their embarrassingly long losing streak of nine Tests on Asian soil. The losing streak was initiated during their tour to India from Nagpur in 2015.

Historic first Test win against Bangladesh since 2008

Rabada, Mulder, and Maharaj ran riot to snap three wickets apiece to obliterate Bangladesh for only 106. While doing so, Rabada also succeeded in getting past the 300 Test wickets landmark. But by the end of day one, thanks to some resilient bowling from Taijul, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 108-6. on day two, Verreynne put his hand up and along with the assistance of Mulder, started performing the repair work for the visitors. The pair batted under testing conditions to add a galloping 119 runs for the seventh wicket to virtually bat the hosts out of the game. 

After amassing a lead of 202 runs, the writing was on the wall for Bangladesh. Nevertheless, Mehidy and Taijul tried to battle it out to delay the inevitable but South Africa came top on day four to prevent the Bangladeshi lead from going much further beyond their control.   Verreynne did not have to bat again in the second innings as De Zorzi and Stubbs slammed steady cameos of 41 & 30 respectively to steer South Africa to a seven-wicket win.

Interestingly enough, this is also South Africa's maiden Test win in Bangladesh in 16 years. Their last away test win against the Tigers came in 2008 in Chattogram when Smith along with McKenzie starred with the bat to register a mammoth opening stand of 415 runs which at present is still the highest-ever recorded opening stand in Test cricket. 

This win has now bettered South Africa's chances of entering the WTC Final. As a result, South Africa have improved their PCT to 47.62% and have surpassed New Zealand in the WTC points table to acquire the fourth spot.