South Africa secured a monumental seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dhaka, marking their first Test win in Asia in ten years and their first in Bangladesh in 16 years. This win leads them to a 1-0 series advantage and improves their position in the World Test Championship standings with a PCT of 47.62%. The team’s performance places them in a strong position to qualify for the championship final by winning their remaining Tests.
In a significant achievement, South Africa emerged victorious against Bangladesh by seven wickets at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. This victory marks South Africa’s first Test win in Asia in a decade, with their last success on the continent recorded in July 2014 against Sri Lanka in Galle. The Proteas had entered this match with a concerning record, having lost their previous nine Tests played in the subcontinent since their last victory against India in Nagpur in 2015. Furthermore, this win represents South Africa’s first Test victory in Bangladesh in 16 years, with their last away win in the country dating back to 2008 under the captaincy of Graeme Smith. Notably, that match featured a remarkable 415-run opening partnership between Smith and Neil McKenzie, which still stands as the highest opening partnership in Test cricket history. With this crucial win, South Africa remains in contention for the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The team has moved ahead of New Zealand in the points table, boasting a PCT of 47.62%. They have a total of five Tests remaining in the series, including one against Bangladesh, two versus Sri Lanka at home, and two against Pakistan at home. Should they secure victories in all these upcoming matches, their PCT would rise to 69.44%, significantly enhancing their prospects of reaching the final of the WTC.
The context of South Africa’s victory is enriched by a decade-long period of struggle in Asian conditions, where the team had not achieved a Test win since their 2014 success in Galle against Sri Lanka. The 10-year gap illustrates the challenges faced by teams in the subcontinent, characterized by spin-friendly pitches and varying environmental conditions. The significance of this victory is further amplified by noting the Proteas’ past performance in Bangladesh; they had not won a Test match in the country since 2008. The current win revitalizes their standing not only in bilateral engagements but also in the context of international rankings and championships, notably the World Test Championship.
In summary, South Africa’s recent victory over Bangladesh in Dhaka is a landmark achievement, signaling their return to form in Asian Test cricket after a decade. The win not only bolsters their confidence but also places them strategically in the World Test Championship standings. With key matches ahead, the Proteas have a clear path to possibly solidify their position for the WTC final, should they maintain their momentum in the remaining Tests.
Original Source: www.cricket.com
