The Proteas spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer combined to take all 10 wickets in Bangladesh’s second innings as they were bowled out for 53, the lowest total ever at Kingsmead Durban.
It was a sensational performance after the Proteas were dismissed for 204 on Day 4 leaving Bangladesh with 274 to chase.
When scanning the body language and facial expressions of the South Africans when they walked off at the end of their second innings – worried, depleted and disappointed looks were clear to see from Rickelton who walked off on 39 not out and Mark Boucher the team in the dressing room.
But Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer refused to lay down. They showed their fight and determination to give their side the perfect start at the end of Day 4 – reducing the visitors to 11-3.
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The match went to Day 5 which was a wish for all cricket fans. But to those hoping for a characteristic fightback, spoiler alert, Bangladesh was all out for their second-lowest total in their history. It was also the lowest innings total at Kingsmead.
This is also the first time in South African history that two bowlers have taken all 10 wickets and won a Test match for South Africa.
Maharaj was sensational. He took 7-32. His most ruthless wicket of the day was the delivery to seal his 8th five-for. He drifted in a delivery on middle which brought Yasir Ali forward and then it turned sharply past the outside edge and took the off-stump out. Flattened it in fact.
Maharaj won the Man of the Match.
Harmer was also extremely effective at supporting his spin partner taking 3-21.
The session was over in 55 mins.
South Africa sealed a 220-run win and the 1st Test.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
