Proud Markram in awe of ‘incredible performances’ by Proteas

South Africa encountered different challenges in Dhaka and Chattogram. They lost the toss in the first Test, but thanks to Mulder and Rabada bowled Bangladesh out cheaply on a track where batting was tough throughout. That they were able to gain a 202-run first innings lead was the result of meticulous planning and execution, particularly by Verreynne, who made 114. 

Batting was much easier in the second Test, but it still required the mental resolve and precision from a largely inexperienced batting unit to piece together a substantial first innings total. “It makes batting easier when you can do it with Stubbo and Bedders, they took a lot of pressure off me and allowed me to bat at my natural tempo,” said De Zorzi, who scored 177.

“A lot of credit has to go to how we played in the first two days,” said Markram. “To bat big, do so once, and then be able to take four wickets [on Wednesday evening] when ultimately you’re hoping for one, maximum two, that set up the game and allowed us to attack for the rest of the match.”

The Proteas innings and 273-run win is the largest by an innings for South Africa in the five-day format.

South Africa remain firmly on track to claim a spot in the World Test Championship next year, a useful target for a team that is still developing as a Test match unit. 

“You want to keep your name in the hat, keep plugging away and then see where you are in four Tests time. All you can do is look after each day and each Test and then see where it gets you,” said Markram.

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