Rabada takes his 300th Test wicket as Bangladesh lose their fourth

Rabada Reaches 300 Test Wickets as Bangladesh Struggles

Kagiso Rabada made history by claiming his 300th Test wicket, bowling out Mushfiqur Rahim and reducing Bangladesh to 40-4 in the morning session of Day 1 during the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur. Rabada’s delivery sharply darted in, sneaking between bat and pad to bowl Mushfiqur for 11.

Mulder’s Early Strikes Leave Bangladesh Reeling

Before Rabada’s milestone, South African pacer Wiaan Mulder wreaked havoc, taking three quick wickets in his opening spell. By reducing Bangladesh to 21-3, Mulder set the tone for a tough day for the hosts. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was caught at short mid-off for seven after a leading edge found Keshav Maharaj, marking Mulder’s third scalp.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy Fights On Amid Collapse

Despite the wickets tumbling around him, opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy stood firm, scoring 12 and holding his wicket. He was later joined by Liton Das as the pair attempted to recover from the early damage inflicted by South Africa's bowlers.

Mulder’s Double Blow Early On

Mulder’s destructive spell began with the dismissals of Shadman Islam for a duck and Mominul Haque for four. Shadman edged a loose delivery to slip, while Mominul was caught behind just three balls after surviving a review for an LBW decision. This left Bangladesh at 12-2 within four overs.

Bangladesh Wins Toss, Jaker Ali Makes Test Debut

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh handed Jaker Ali his Test debut in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan. The team chose a spin-heavy attack, including Taijul Islam, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, and Nayeem Hasan, alongside the sole pacer, Hasan Mahmud.

South Africa’s Spin Strategy

South Africa opted for two frontline spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Dane Piedt, in their playing XI. This is the first Test match between the two teams in Bangladesh since 2015.

Team Lineups

Bangladesh XI: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud.

South Africa XI: Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Piedt.