South Africa’s new-ball duo, Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder, dismantled Bangladesh’s top order in the first session of Day 1, leaving the hosts struggling at 60 for 6 by lunch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Monday. The pair accounted for five wickets before Keshav Maharaj struck just before the break.
Opting to bat, Bangladesh’s batters struggled against the swing and movement. Mulder was particularly effective in the opening hour, taking three wickets despite Bangladesh’s cautious approach. Shadman Islam was the first to fall in just the second over, edging a drive to the wicketkeeper.
Mominul Haque followed soon after, edging a flick off a full delivery, while Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leading edge found Maharaj at extra cover, reducing Bangladesh to 21 for 3 within 30 minutes.
Mahmudul Hasan briefly resisted alongside Mushfiqur Rahim, hitting a few boundaries, but Rabada returned to break through Mushfiqur’s defence, claiming his 300th Test wicket—the fastest in terms of balls bowled. Rabada then had Litton Das dismissed, thanks to a sharp catch by Tristan Stubbs at gully.
Mahmudul and Mehidy Hasan appeared to be guiding Bangladesh safely to lunch, but Maharaj trapped Mehidy leg-before in the final over of the session, with the review unable to save him.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 60/6 (Mahmudul Hasan 16*; Wiaan Mulder 3-22, Kagiso Rabada 2-16) vs South Africa.