Tony de Zorzi's 177 Leads South Africa to 527-6 Against Bangladesh

Tony de Zorzi's impressive innings of 177 helped South Africa reach a formidable total of 527-6 at tea on the second day of the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram. At the break, Wiaan Mulder was unbeaten on 78, while Senuran Muthusamy contributed 47, forming a solid partnership of 104 runs.

In the second session, Ryan Rickelton was the only South African batsman to fall, edging a delivery from Nahid Rana to the wicketkeeper for just 12 runs. The morning session saw Bangladesh's left-arm spinner Taijul Islam make a significant impact, taking three wickets in just three overs. He ended a strong 116-run partnership between De Zorzi and David Bedingham by bowling Bedingham, who scored a brisk 59 off 78 balls, including two fours and four sixes.

Taijul's breakthrough sent South Africa into a mini-collapse as De Zorzi attempted a sweep shot but was trapped lbw, leaving the score at 391-4. The wicketkeeper, Kyle Verreynne, who had scored a century in the first Test, faced only three balls before being dismissed without scoring, also leg before wicket. This marked Taijul’s second five-wicket haul of the series.

De Zorzi began the day on 141 runs after South Africa finished day one at 307-2, having opted to bat first on a pitch that offered minimal assistance to bowlers. He quickly reached his first Test century on the opening day and went on to achieve his first 150 off 235 balls, featuring 12 fours and four sixes during his innings of 269 balls.

Tristan Stubbs also made a notable contribution, scoring a maiden Test century on Tuesday with a total of 106 runs. In their previous encounter, South Africa won the first Test comfortably within four days, with Kagiso Rabada taking 6-46 in Bangladesh's second innings.

Historically, Bangladesh has struggled in Chattogram, winning only two of the 24 Tests played there, with seven matches ending in draws.