Bangladesh Emerging fought back strongly on the final day to secure a draw against South Africa Emerging Men in the first unofficial Test at the NWU Oval in Potchefstroom.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first, putting themselves in a strong position with a big opening innings. Captain Mitchell van Buuren led the way with 171 off 235 balls, while Onkgomoditse Seletswane remained unbeaten on 150 off 267 balls.
South Africa closed their innings on 519/5 after 132.5 overs, putting the pressure on Bangladesh to respond.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 239 in their first innings, giving South Africa Emerging a 280-run lead. Mahidul Islam Ankon was the standout batter, narrowly missing a century after being dismissed for 97 off 224 balls. Iftakhar Hossain Ifti also contributed with 50.
Janco Smit and Schalk Engelbrecht were South Africa’s leading bowlers, taking three wickets each.
South Africa returned to bat for their second innings and closed on 130/4 after 28.1 overs. Daniel Smith provided a quick 60 off 53 balls, setting Bangladesh a target of 411 to win.
Bangladesh’s second innings got off to a difficult start as they slipped to 70/5. With South Africa pushing for victory, Bangladesh needed a strong response to save the match.
Aminul Islam Biplob and Ankon stepped up, putting together a crucial 105-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Biplob scored 74 off 147 balls, while Ankonshowed great patience to remain unbeaten on 48 off 208 balls.
After Biplob was dismissed, Nayeem Hasan joined Ankon at the crease. The pair continued to frustrate the South African attack, adding an unbeaten 69-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Bangladesh finished on 244/6 after 93 overs, with Ankonand Nayeem unbeaten on 48 and 49 respectively, as the match ended in a draw.
South Africa will be disappointed not to have turned their strong position into a victory after taking a 280-run lead. However, Bangladesh’s fightback on the final day ensured they walked away with a hard-fought draw.
For Bangladesh, Ankon played an important role in the result, following his 97 in the first innings with a determined unbeaten 48 in the second. His patience, alongside Biplob and Nayeem, helped Bangladesh survive the final day and deny South Africa Emerging Men victory.
