Dhaka: Bangladesh Men’s Emerging team took control over the visiting South African Emerging side in the second and final four-day game after Day 2 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. After posting a first-innings total of 371, Bangladesh reduced South Africa to 152-6 by the end of the day’s play. With just four wickets remaining, South Africa trails by 219 runs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, South African opener Muhammad Manack was the only batsman to show some resistance against the disciplined bowling attack from Bangladesh, scoring a top tally for his team with 54 runs. Meanwhile, Bangladesh bowlers Ripon Mondol and Rakibul Hasan each claimed two wickets to dismantle the South African batting line-up. Mahedi Hasan and Naeem Ahmed also chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Bangladesh resumed their innings on Day 2 at 242-7, with their lower order showing grit and resilience to keep the team in a commanding position. Ripon Mondol and Mehedi Hasan contributed a crucial 77-run partnership for the ninth wicket, allowing Bangladesh to finish their innings on a high. Ripon was dismissed for 43, while Mehedi remained unbeaten on 44.
The South African bowlers struggled with discipline, conceding 43 runs through extras, which added to their challenges. On Day 1, Bangladesh’s innings was bolstered by opener Iftekhar Hossain Ifti’s century (109) and Moin Khan’s 91, which helped the team recover from a middle-order collapse.