CHITTAGONG: South Africa wrapped up an emphatic 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh, securing their biggest Test victory in history by an innings and 273 runs within just three days. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj led the way in Chattogram on Thursday with a five-wicket haul, routing Bangladesh for 143 in their second innings after an earlier collapse that saw them dismissed for 159.
Maharaj’s clinical 5-59 complemented a blistering first-innings spell from fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who took 5-37 in just nine overs. The commanding result surpasses South Africa’s previous record, set in 2017 when they defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 254 runs at home.
The Proteas, led by stand-in captain Aiden Markram, capitalized on strong individual performances to maintain pressure on the hosts throughout the series. Reflecting on the historic win, Markram said, “Very fortunate that we had some special performances along the way that got us into really strong positions, and we were able to apply pressure through that. A proud moment for all of us, absolutely, and one that we’ll reflect back on in the years to come as a special team.”
After facing a daunting 416-run deficit from South Africa’s first-innings total of 575-6, the onus was on Bangladesh’s experienced players, including Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, to stabilize the innings. However, all three fell for modest scores, with Mushfiqur dismissed for just two after a failed sweep attempt, and Najmul was sent back by Senuran Muthusamy with Bangladesh struggling at 78-7.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was candid about his team’s ongoing batting struggles, stating, “Our batting has been like this for a long time. If the top order doesn’t contribute well, this is the kind of result we’ll get.”
Hasan Mahmud provided brief resistance with a spirited 38 off 30 balls, hitting four sixes, but his efforts were in vain as Maharaj claimed the final wicket of Nahid Rana, bringing the match to a decisive close. Muthusamy finished with 4-45, supporting Maharaj’s efforts with precision bowling that left Bangladesh’s lineup in tatters.
South Africa’s dominance extended across the series, with Rabada’s relentless performance marking his second five-wicket haul, adding to his 6-46 in the first Test in Mirpur. The visitors’ batting lineup also shined, featuring maiden centuries from Tony De Zorzi (177), Tristan Stubbs (106), and Wiaan Mulder (105 not out), which helped power South Africa’s first-innings 575-6.
Bangladesh, yet to secure a Test win over South Africa in 16 attempts, will now look to regroup after a sobering reminder of the gap in strength between the two teams. Skipper Najmul said, “Losing in this manner is very disappointing. It shows that we need to improve in many areas, both on and off the field.”
