South Africa destroyed Bangladesh with both bat and ball on day two of the second Test in Bloemfontein, scoring 573 first-innings runs before skittling the visitors for 147 to enforce the follow-on.
The hosts picked up where they left off before tea, courtesy of Kagiso Rabada, who took his wickets tally to 49 for 2017 with a five-for. This puts him top of the standings for the year, with an average of 22.49 as the 22-year-old continues to step up in the absence of the Proteas’ senior bowlers.
Their bowling efforts came after Faf du Plessis and Hashim Amla helped the Proteas reach 573-4 before they declared after lunch. Du Plessis reached his seventh century and Amla his 28th ton to become the second-highest century-getter for South Africa, behind Jacques Kallis (45).
What followed was a beautiful display by the Proteas pace attack. In the absence of their senior pacemen – Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel – a young bowling line-up showed their inherent ability. Morkel’s absence, in particular, meant that Rabada needed a new opening partner. Up stepped Duanne Olivier, as SA got their expected quick start.
The 25-year-old took two scalps before tea as Bangladesh scampered to 61-4.
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There was some hope for the Tigers through a youngster of their own. Liton Das, 22 years old, was his side’s biggest asset as he reached his second career fifty.
Despite the visitors being rocked by Rabada, who removed Imrul Kayes and Sabbir Rahman, Das pulled together a cameo 50-run partnership with Taijul Islam. Olivier picked up his third with the dismissal of Taijul, but Das still managed to battle on to take his side close to the 150-run mark.
Rabada was on fire as Das (70) attempted to pull a hip-high short ball on his off stump, but skied a delivery off his top edge into the safe hands of Du Plessis at second slip.
Keshav Maharaj struck in the following over as the visitors stuttered on 143, but it was Rabada who wrapped up the innings to pick up his fifth scalp, the Tigers skittled for 147.
With Bangladesh 426 runs behind, the visitors were sent in to bat again. They ended the day on 7-0, with a mountain to climb on day three.
Photo: Philip Brown/Getty Images
