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During the first day of their first Test match against South Africa in Mirpur that saw up to 16 wickets fall, Bangladesh's comeback was spearheaded by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam. South Africa finished with a 34-run lead at the stumps thanks to a solid partnership between lower-order batter Wiaan Mulder and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.
The Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur had a spicy pitch that helped the spinners and pace bowlers all day long. Hasan Mahmud was Bangladesh's only fast bowler, whereas South Africa had two specialists in Mulder and Kagiso Rabada. The Mirpur Test made history by having the highest number of wickets lost on the first day of a Test match in Bangladesh—16.
Taijul Islam creates history
After Bangladesh were bundled out in just 40.1 overs. South Africa also made a wobbly start as they lost their skipper Aiden Markram in the opening over itself to Hasan Mahmud. After that, Taijul Islam stole the show completely with the ball. He grabbed a five-wicket haul and rattled the SA batting line-up. This was his 13th fifer in Tests.
He achieved a milestone in his career and became the second-only Bangladesh bowler in history after Shakib Al Hasan to take 200 wickets in Test cricket.
Players with the most wickets for Bangladesh in Test cricket
1. Shakib Al Hasan - 246 wickets
2. Taijul Islam - 201 wickets*
3. Mehidy Hasan Miraz - 183 wickets
4. Mohammad Rafique - 100 wickets
Many South African hitters received the start, but none of them could turn their opportunities into meaningful hits. Tristan Stubbs attempted to go for the kill, hitting 23 off 27 balls, but Taijul proved too strong for him. Ryan Rickelton was dismissed by the left-arm spinner after hitting 27 off 49 balls. Before Verreynne and Mulder steadied the ship, South Africa was reeling at 108 for 6.
