MIRPUR, Bangladesh — On the second day of the opening Test match, South Africa increased their lead to 137 runs, totaling 243-8 by lunchtime. Both Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder made notable contributions with half-centuries; Mulder scored 54 runs, marked by eight boundaries, before being dismissed, while Verreynne remained at the crease with 77 runs alongside Dane Piedt, who was on 6 at the break.

Bangladesh struggled in their first innings, managing to score only 106 runs in just one and a half sessions on Day 1. Despite their batting woes, Taijul Islam’s impressive figures of 5 wickets for 49 runs provided some hope for the hosts as they bowled out South Africa at times throughout the day.

As South Africa resumed play at 140-6, Verreynne and Mulder demonstrated determination and skill against the Bangladesh spin attack. They executed the sweep and reverse sweep shots with precision, effectively tackling the challenge posed by the bowlers. Verreynne reached his half-century in just 67 balls, bringing it up with a sweeping shot through to short square leg.

The partnership between Verreynne and Mulder began to strengthen; however, pace bowler Hasan Mahmud offered Bangladesh some relief by claiming two wickets in consecutive balls. He took Mulder’s catch with a delivery that sent the ball to Shadman Islam at wide slip and then bowled out Keshav Maharaj for a duck, concluding the session with figures of 3-51.

This match is the first of a two-Test series between the two teams. The second Test is scheduled to commence on October 29 in Chittagong.