BAN vs SA 2nd Test Day 1 Highlights: Tristan Stubbs And Tony de Zorzi's Sparkling Tons Rattle Bangladesh
Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi formed a magnificent stand [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X]
[South Africa (1st innings): 307/2 (81); Tony de Zorzi 141*, Tristan Stubbs 106, David Bedingham 18*; Taijul Islam 2/110]
Riding on exceptional knocks from Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, South Africa claimed the driving seat in the second Test against Bangladesh at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. The visitors finished the day with 307 runs for the loss of only two wickets, pushing the home side on the back foot.
Aiden Markram Disappoints South Africa Yet Again
Ace South African batter Aiden Markram has been struggling with poor form in international cricket for quite a while now. He sustained his rough patch in the purest format, being dismissed for 33 runs in the first innings of the Chattogram Test.
In Temba Bavuma's absence, stand-in skipper Markram won the toss and opted to bat first in order to capitalise on the batting-friendly conditions. While Tony de Zorzi oozed his class right from the word go, Markram adopted a cautious approach for his 55-ball 33. However, before he could convert the score into a significant score, Bangladesh's premier spinner Taijul Islam sent him packing in the 18th over.
Tristan Stubbs, De Zorzi Torment Bangladesh's Bowling Unit
However, Markram's dismissal hardly had any impact on Tony de Zorzi, who continued his onslaught on Bangladesh's lacklustre bowling. Tristan Stubbs soon joined the party, frustrating the home side with his scintillating stroke-play. Both batters brought up their centuries, powering South Africa to a commanding position in the match.
While Stubbs completed his maiden hundred in Test cricket, De Zorzi also scored his first century in just 146 deliveries. Their valiant 201-run stand not only bailed South Africa out of troubled waters but also helped them etch their names in history books.