South Africa Takes Control on Day One with Maiden Test Centuries from Two Players Against Bangladesh

South Africa Takes Control on Day One with Maiden Test Centuries from Two Players Against Bangladesh

South Africa strengthened their position for a World Test Championship final spot with a commanding start in the second Test against Bangladesh. Batting on a docile surface with little assistance for bowlers, South African batters thrived against a struggling Bangladesh attack.

Captain Aiden Markram chose to bat first, sharing an opening stand of 69 runs with de Zorzi before being dismissed for 33 off 55 balls. After Markram’s departure, the hosts tightened their grip temporarily, but Stubbs soon settled in. In partnership with de Zorzi, Stubbs crafted a massive 201-run stand—South Africa’s third-highest for the second wicket in Asia.

On a sweltering day, de Zorzi ended unbeaten on 141 off 211 balls, celebrating his maiden Test century, while Stubbs, scoring his first Test hundred as well, contributed a resilient 106 off 198 balls. Stubbs' century, achieved in his fourth Test, was South Africa’s first at No.3 since Theunis de Bruyn’s in 2018 against Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam was the most persistent bowler, sending down 30 overs for 110 runs, claiming both South African wickets. By stumps, South Africa reached 307-2.