Keshav Maharaj became the joint second-fastest South African spinner to take 50 Test wickets
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Keshav Maharaj speared through Bangladesh’s batting line-up on the final day of the first Test in Potchefstroom to lead South Africa to a 333-run win.
Maharaj’s efforts saw Bangladesh be skittled out for 90, which is their lowest total in Tests outside the subcontinent.
Furthermore, Bangladesh suffered their third-largest loss in Test history, with the other two bigger defeats coming by margins of 335 runs and 465 runs.
Starting off the day on 49/3, Bangladesh only added six runs to their overnight score before captain Mushfiqur Rahim was caught by Hashim Amla off the bowling of Kagiso Rabada for 16.
Rabada then proceeded to take out Mahmudullah and wicketkeeper Liton Das for nine and four runs respectively.
With Rabada having wreaked havoc on Bangladesh’s middle order, Maharaj took over from that point and started by trapping Sabbir Rahman lbw for four runs.
Taskin Ahmed was on his way back to the pavilion in Maharaj’s next over, while Shafiul Islam only mustered two runs before he was run out.
Bangladesh were ultimately bundled out for 90 when Mustafizur Rahman was caught and bowled by Maharaj for one run.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was left stranded on 15 off 32 balls, which included a boundary and a six.
Maharaj was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Rabada snapped up three and Morne Morkel chipped in with two.
Rahim was not impressed with his side’s collapse, and said: “Probably (would you have batted first in hindsight?). I did not know the wicket would be this flat. I thought the batsmen did not go big in the first innings and that cost us. I can’t remember the last time we were bowled out under 100. It was really disappointing.
“Probably, we will come up with good plans in the next Test match. Mominul and Mahmudullah were the positives. Mominul and Mustafiz also bowled well in the second innings. We need to be mentally tough and that is an area we need to improve.”
South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis was over the moon to have taken the last seven wickets in less than 20 overs, and said: “Very happy. Over the four-five days, we have executed the skills sets very well. The bowlers were very impressive on a flat surface. From the conditions point of view, we are not happy with what we received. The only way we could get wickets on this pitch was through spin or reverse. We are not complaining it’s an easy finish.
“Morne’s loss is the most disappointing. Happy with the debutants. Aiden might think Test cricket is pretty easy for the moment. Andile picked up a wicket when he had an opportunity. Expecting more bounce and carry in Bloemfontein.”
South Africa opener Dean Elgar was named Man of the Match for his career-best knock of 199 in the first innings, and said: “I made quite a good contribution on a flattish wicket. Nonetheless, I am happy with the performance (Was 199 bittersweet?). It is great to be out there with Aiden. I tried to ease his nerves as best as I could. I got a lot of positive advice from friends and coaches on this wicket: ‘Fill your boots’. It has taken me a long time to stabilise my opening spot. It is nice to play with that monkey off the back.”