South Africa claim victory as Maharaj, Harmer put Bangladesh in a spin

By: ReutersDurban | April 4, 2022 3:31:53 pm

Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took seven wickets as South Africa made light work of bowling Bangladesh out for 53 in 19 overs in their second innings to claim a 220-run victory in the first Test at Kingsmead on Monday.

It was the lowest Test innings total at Kingsmead, less than the 66 India managed in 1996.

Bangladesh had been set a target of 274 for the win but resumed on the third morning on 11 for three and were bowled out inside 55 minutes.

Maharaj took 7-32 and fellow spinner Simon Harmer 3-21 to complete a dominant performance for the home side.

Subscriber Only StoriesView All

PremiumToxic solvent, dodgy tests, gaps in data: Behind Maiden Pharma ban

PremiumWhy safe haven gold isn’t shining — but why you need not give up on it

PremiumRSS flagging Modi government’s failures reveals anxiety and discont...

PremiumMission Karmyogi: An attempt to change the face of civil servicesBuy at just Rs 108 per month now

It will be a memorable victory for the South Africans, who are missing five first team regulars that have opted to play in the Indian Premier League, including their entire frontline pace attack.

Top Sports News NowT20 World Cup: How extreme pace and hard lengths have made a comeback in cricket's shortest formatFive teams in Women's IPL with 22 matches to be played: BCCIAfter players signed away access to earlier psychologist, U-17 women's team now left unsupportedClick here for more

South Africa’s lack of bowling options had in part forced them to play two spinners at a venue that has traditionally been known to favour the seamers.

Maharaj’s effort was all the more impressive after he bowled with a finger injury on the fourth and fifth days, but the guile and accuracy with which he and Harmer attacked the Bangladeshis was impressively relentless.

Advertisement

Maharaj trapped Mushfiqur Rahim (0) leg before wicket in the opening over of the day and from then on it was a procession of batsmen back to the pavilion.

Harmer removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz (0) and innings top-scorer Najmul Hossain Shanto (26), the latter stumped by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, before Maharaj claimed the final two wickets.

Advertisement

The second test begins in Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, on Thursday.

First published on: 04-04-2022 at 03:31:53 pm Next Story

Vodafone raises stake in Vodafone Idea to 47.61%

Tags:Keshav MaharajSouth Africa vs BangladeshExplained Climate |