What To Expect From Day 2 Of BAN vs SA 1st Test In Mirpur?

BAN vs SA 1st Test: The Proteas are ahead in the contest after Day 1 [Source: @BCBtigers/x.com]BAN vs SA 1st Test: The Proteas are ahead in the contest after Day 1 [Source: @BCBtigers/x.com]

The opening day of the BAN vs SA 1st Test in Dhaka was nothing short of a rollercoaster. South Africa, who were asked to bowl after losing the toss, came out all guns blazing, making Bangladesh’s decision to bat first look like a blunder.

The hosts crumbled under pressure, falling prey to a lethal combination of bounce, movement, and accuracy from Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj.

While Mahmudul Hasan Joy showed some resistance with a gritty 30, Bangladesh’s lack of patience and poor shot selection saw them bundled out for a paltry 106.

South Africa’s reply wasn't all smooth sailing either, as the Bangladesh spinners clawed back with timely strikes, reducing the Proteas to 140/6 at Stumps on Day 1. Despite holding a 34-run lead, South Africa will know that the game is on a knife-edge, and Day 2 could decide the fate of this match.

Let’s take a look at what to expect from Day 2 of the 1st BAN vs SA Test:

Spinners to Spin a Web

As Day 2 dawns in Dhaka, one thing is as clear as day: spinners hold the key. The pitch has already begun to resemble a landmine, with unpredictable bounce and alarming turn.

Bangladesh’s spinners—Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz—will be keen to exploit these conditions to the fullest, just as Keshav Maharaj did on Day 1. It will be a matter of fighting fire with fire as the hosts look to turn the tables on the Proteas. If the surface continues to deteriorate, the spinners could have a field day, and batting could become as difficult as walking a tightrope.

South African Lower Middle Order’s Litmus Test

With South Africa’s middle order under pressure and runs hard to come by, their batters’ primary challenge will be to keep a straight bat against the spinning deliveries, particularly in the morning session when the pitch will be at its most venomous.

Maharaj’s Turn to Wreak Havoc

Keshav Maharaj had the hosts in a spin during Bangladesh’s first innings, and he will be licking his lips at the prospect of bowling on this wearing pitch again.

If South Africa manages to build a significant lead, Maharaj and Dane Piedt will be like sharks circling their prey, waiting to dismantle Bangladesh’s fragile batting lineup.

The Proteas will look to enforce pressure by getting close to a 100-run lead and letting Maharaj loose on a track that’s bound to aid his variations.

Bangladesh's Opening Conundrum

Bangladesh’s top order was under the cosh on Day 1, and it’s now time for Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam to buckle down and set the tone for the second innings. Joy showed glimpses of brilliance, but Islam's form will be critical in providing the hosts with a solid start.

The openers must weather the storm and survive the new ball, as Rabada and Mulder will again be raring to go from the get-go. Patience and better shot selection will be the need of the hour, for another early collapse could leave Bangladesh clutching at straws.

Rabada to Lead the Charge

Kagiso Rabada’s 300th Test wicket came in trademark style. With the ball still new and the surface offering variable bounce, Rabada’s task will be to rattle Bangladesh’s top order once again.

His spell on Day 1 laid the foundation for South Africa’s dominance, and if he gets into his rhythm early on Day 2, the hosts could be in for a bumpy ride. Rabada will look to extract every bit of assistance from the pitch, making life difficult for Bangladesh's batters.

Grit and Guts Required

The game is hanging by a thread, with Bangladesh needing a heroic effort to stay in the contest. If the hosts can restrict South Africa to a sub-200 total and produce a spirited second innings with the bat, they might still be able to script a comeback.

On the other hand, South Africa will be eager to drive home the advantage and widen the gap between the two sides, knowing that wickets could fall like dominoes on this surface.