Crushing Deficit for Bangladesh as South Africa Dominate Second Test

South Africa's unstoppable batting lineup ran amok on day one of the second Test against Bangladesh, posting 575/6 as they look strong contenders for a series win. A decisive display of dominance saw De Zorzi and Stubbs lead the charge with maiden Test hundreds, ushering in a relentless onslaught that left the Bangladeshi bowlers feeble.

De Zorzi and Stubbs formed a formidable partnership of 201, complemented by Wiaan Mulder's maiden century, who joins De Zorzi and Stubbs in achieving a unique triad of maiden Test hundreds in the same innings. This occurrence has only happened twice in Test history before, with the most recent instance being the 1959 Delhi Test between West Indies and India. The South African batters weren't short on power, with 17 sixes - a record for the team and one they share with a solo New Zealand effort against Pakistan in the 2014 Sharjah Test.

On the bowling front, Taijul Islam was South Africa's nemesis with 2/110 in 30 overs, but even his efforts couldn't stem the tide against the imposing batting lineup. Bangladesh's fielding woes continued, with Kagiso Rabada picking up 3 wickets in just 7 overs to set up a devastating 38/4 before play was ceased by bad light. The series-opener was also marked by an incredible feat for South Africa's bowlers, Paul Strang becoming the fourth man to have conceded nine or more sixes in a Test innings.

As play is set to resume tomorrow, the daunting task of saving the test faces Bangladesh, especially considering the expanse of the insurmountable deficit of 537 runs. Phil Simmons, Bangladesh's coach, was determined to shed off the cargo, saying an early green light could be the turning point with abridge to an early wicket seeping South Africa’s innings soon.