Day 1: Safrica vs Bangladesh

It was a mixed first day for South Africa today against minnows Bangladesh, as the young Jacques Rudolph continued to impress many with his high calibre of batsmanship.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat on a flat, slow Dhaka pitch. Smith fell first for 15 off the bowling of Tapash Baisya, and Gibbs fell soon after for 21 to give Bangladesh an extraordinary amount of confidence.

Impressive southpaw Jacques Rudolph who slammed a double century on debut continued to impress many and tear into the Bangladeshi bowlers. With dominant strokes all around the wicket, and well judged singles, Rudolph was once more set for a big score.

Boeta Dippenaar didn't give Rudolph the support he gave him in the first test however, as he fell quickly for 1 off Mohammad Rafique's bowling. South Africa were then reduced to 4/53 as Neil McKenzie fell cheaply for 7, lbw to Rafique.

This bought aggressive wicket keeper batsman Mark Boucher and the impressive Rudolph together were they planned on an aggressive recovery. The two put together an impressive 107 run partnership before Rudolph was stumped off the part time bowling of Mohammad Ashraful for a well made 71.

Boucher raced to the 70's, as former captain Shaun Pollock gave his former deputy support in the re-building process. Boucher though was cleaned up by a good piece of bowling from Rafique for a vital contribution of 71.

At the close of day 1, South Africa are 6/246, with Shaun Pollock not out on 41, and Robin Peterson not out on 15. The Bangladeshi bowling has been extremely impressive on this opening day, and South Africa certainly will be hoping to improve on a rather small total.


Brief Score Summary: Day 1 Close

South Africa (1st Innings): 6/246 (Rudolph 71, Boucher 71, Pollock 41*, Rafique 5/73, Ashraful 1/37)

Posted by Sangrah