Taijul Islam takes five against South Africa

CHATTOGRAM: Taijul Islam completed a five-wicket haul on Wednesday, as he continued to be the Bangladesh’s only hope in the fight against South Africa in the 2nd test.

Islam’s first wicket came in the 18^th over, as he dismissed South Africa skipper Aiden Markram, who only managed to make 33 runs from the 55 deliveries he faced. A failed attempt to slam a delivery for six led to the ball being popped up to mid on where Mominul Haque took the catch.

The second wicket of the game was a huge breakthrough for Bangladesh, as Islam managed to dismiss Tristan Stubbs, who had just made a maiden century in the over prior to being bowled. A low delivery caught the toe end of Stubbs’ bat before ricocheting into the stumps.

David Bedingham fell next, shortly after making his second ever test fifty. He managed to score 59 runs off 78 deliveries before being bowled by Islam. Despite gaining some confidence on the ball prior, launching his fourth six of the match, Bedingham’s stroke missed the ball on its way to taking out the leg stump.

Stubbs dismissed right after scoring maiden century

A couple overs later, Tony de Zorzi, who also made his maiden century on Tuesday, was dismissed. The delivery from Islam was able to fool de Zorzi, who missed with his sweep, allowing the ball to hit the front pad. South Africa used a review, in which Ball Tracking showed that de Zorzi saved the middle stump. It was a fantastic innings from the top order batsman, as he made 177 runs off 269 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and four sixes in the process.

Islam continued to impress, taking anther wicket just two overs later, dismissing Kyle Verreynne on the third ball the South African wicket keeper faced. Verreynne attempted a sweep, but the ball ended up hitting his back leg. South Africa used another review, and once again Ball Tracking showed the middle stump was destined to go.

South Africa made it to lunch without losing another wicket, but upon returning, Nahid Rana picked up his first wicket. Ryan Rickelton as caught out by Bangladeshi wicket keeper Mahidul Islam after only making 12 runs off 41 deliveries. The ball scraped the end of Rickelton’s bat on the way to Mahidul.

Stubbs and de Zorzi make maiden centuries

South Africa currently stand at 434 for 6.