South Africa Declares at 575-6 as Wiaan Mulder Scores Century

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh – In a remarkable display of batting prowess, South Africa declared their first innings at a commanding 575-6 during the second Test against Bangladesh. This impressive total was bolstered by standout performances from Tony de Zorzi, who scored 177 runs, and Wiaan Mulder, who finished unbeaten on 105.

As the day progressed, Bangladesh found themselves struggling at 38-4 in response to South Africa’s declaration, with Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto at the crease, trailing by 537 runs when poor light halted play early.

Wiaan Mulder's journey to his maiden Test century was marked by some anxious moments, including a close call at the crease. However, he secured his hundred with a powerful six off spinner Taijul Islam, raising his arms in celebration as he achieved this significant milestone.

Notably, the match marked only the second instance in Test history where three players scored their first centuries in the same innings. The previous occurrence took place in 1948, when the West Indies' Gerry Gomez, Robert Christiani, and Clyde Walcott achieved the feat against India.

After stand-in captain Aiden Markram declared the innings, South Africa's bowlers made quick work of the Bangladeshi batting lineup. Kagiso Rabada struck early, dismissing Shadman Islam for a duck and Zakir Hasan for just two runs. Dane Paterson added to Bangladesh's woes by taking the wicket of Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who managed only 10 runs.

The situation worsened for Bangladesh when nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud was bowled by Keshav Maharaj for just three runs, leaving the hosts in a precarious position.

Earlier, De Zorzi continued his impressive form from the previous day, building on his century as South Africa resumed their innings at 307-2 on a batting-friendly surface at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. He reached 150 with two consecutive boundaries, further solidifying South Africa's dominant position in the match.

Despite a brief counterattack from the Bangladeshi bowlers, including Taijul Islam, who finished with figures of 5-198, South Africa's batting depth, highlighted by Senuran Muthusamy’s unbeaten 68, ensured the Proteas surpassed 500 runs in a Test innings for the first time since 2020.

With South Africa currently leading the two-match series 1-0 following a seven-wicket victory in Dhaka, the second Test in Chittagong continues to showcase their dominance.