South Africa defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the first Test, moving to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings with a point-percentage of 47.62. Bangladesh’s loss saw their point-percentage drop to 30.56, keeping them in seventh place. The second Test is set for October 29 in Chattogram.
In the first Test match held on Thursday, South Africa secured a prominent seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh, propelling them to the fourth position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. This victory increased South Africa’s point-percentage to 47.62, allowing them to surpass both New Zealand and England in the rankings. Conversely, Bangladesh’s defeat caused their point-percentage to drop to 30.56, thus maintaining their position in seventh place, with India and Australia sitting firmly in the top two spots on the list. Initially, Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, opted to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that proved detrimental as South Africa’s bowlers thrived in the conditions, dismissing Bangladesh for a mere 106 runs. Notable performances came from Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj, each claiming three wickets. In response, the South African batting line-up showcased resilience with Kyle Verreynne scoring a century, while Mulder and Dane Piedt contributed 54 and 32 runs, respectively. This strong batting display led South Africa to a commanding first-innings lead of 202 runs. During Bangladesh’s second innings, South Africa’s bowlers, led by Rabada, once again showcased their dominance, reducing Bangladesh to 112/6. Nonetheless, Mehidy Hasan’s commendable innings of 97, bolstered by contributions from the lower order, saw Bangladesh accumulate a total of 307 runs. Rabada delivered a stellar performance, concluding with impressive bowling figures of 6/46, marking his best in Asian conditions. Chasing a target of 106 runs, South Africa faced minimal resistance, with Tony de Zorzi scoring 41 and Tristan Stubbs remaining not out at 30, ensuring a seven-wicket victory for the Proteas. The next Test match between the two teams is scheduled to commence on October 29 in Chattogram.
The World Test Championship (WTC) provides a platform for Test-playing nations to engage in a series of international matches, culminating in a final match to determine the champion. The significance of the standings is evident as teams vie for a higher percentage of points earned per Test played. South Africa’s recent victory against Bangladesh has reinforced their position within this competitive framework, while Bangladesh’s struggles underscore the challenges faced in international cricket.
In summary, South Africa’s commanding performance against Bangladesh in the first Test has significantly altered the World Test Championship standings, lifting South Africa to fourth place and deepening the challenges for Bangladesh as they remain in seventh. As both teams prepare for the forthcoming second Test, the dynamics of the championship continue to intensify, with each match carrying substantial weight in the overall standings.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
