Rabada’s Six-for Powers South Africa to Seven-Wicket Victory Over Bangladesh in First Test

Kagiso Rabada’s stunning bowling performance, which included his maiden five-wicket haul in Asia, led South Africa to a commanding seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Rabada’s impressive 6-46 on Day 4 dismantled Bangladesh’s second innings, restricting them to 307, and setting South Africa a modest target of 106 for victory.

Starting the final day at 283/7, Bangladesh added only 24 more runs before Rabada claimed his fifth wicket by dismissing Nayeem Hasan lbw in the first over. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who showed grit with a fighting 97, was the last to fall, slicing a catch to Wiaan Mulder at third slip, leaving Bangladesh all out. Rabada’s heroics were well complemented by Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj, who provided crucial support in both innings.

South Africa, aware of the looming threat of rain, approached the chase positively. Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi quickly set the tone, with the captain striking boundaries early on. Despite losing Markram and de Zorzi to Taijul Islam, South Africa remained on course. Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham played confidently, and Stubbs finished the game with an unbeaten 30, sealing the victory in just 22 overs.

Bangladesh’s first innings crumbled as Rabada, Mulder, and Maharaj took quick wickets, bundling the hosts out for just 106. South Africa found themselves in early trouble at 108/6 but were rescued by Kyle Verreynne’s magnificent 114 and Mulder’s half-century. Their 308-run total secured a significant first-innings lead. Although Mehidy and Jaker Ali stitched a record partnership for Bangladesh in the second innings, Rabada’s match-winning spell ensured they were left with too much to do.

South Africa’s clinical performance, led by Rabada, gives them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marks their first Test win in Asia since 2014.