South Africa beat Bangladesh to win their first Test in Asia in a decade, keep WTC final hopes alive

South Africa defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the first Test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday, October 24. The visitors chased down a 106-run total for the loss of three wickets in just 22 overs.

The win is South Africa first in Asia in a decade. The last win in Asia came back against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2014. South Africa's last Test win in Bangladesh came back in 2008, and this is only their third successful chase in a Test match in Asia.

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Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 97 off 191 and Jaker Ali chipped in with a solid 58 off 111 balls as Bangladesh collected themselves from 112/6 to finish their second innings at 307. The 138-run partnership between the duo helped Bangladesh avoid an innings defeat against the Proteas, who took a 202-run lead in the first innings.

Taijul Islam picked all the three wickets for Bangladesh in the first session of Day 4 but South Africa batters did not slow down and raced to the target. Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 30 off 37 balls.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh started from their overnight score of 283/7, and could add only 24 runs as Kagiso Rabada picked two of the last three wickets. Rabada finished his second innings with figures of 6/46. He picked three wickets in the first innings.

This is Bangladesh's third consecutive defeat after whitewashing Pakistan 2-0. They were bundled out for 106 in the first innings, and the batting unit collapsed once again in the second innings.

Bangladesh had South Africa six down for 108 in the first innings, but a hundred from wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne (114) put South Africa in a solid position. Fast-bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder also had a good outing. He scored 54 in the first innings and also picked four wickets in the match.

The second Test between Bangladesh and South Africa will be played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram from October 29.