On the opening day of the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam achieved a significant milestone by claiming his 200th wicket in red ball cricket.
This remarkable achievement makes him only the second Bangladesh player to reach this landmark, following the footsteps of Shakib Al Hasan. Taijul’s 200th wicket came in dramatic fashion when he bowled debutant Matthew Breetzke for a duck.
Taijul Islam’s 200th wicket: Matthew Breetzke falls to a masterclass
In the 28th over of South Africa’s first innings, Taijul delivered a well-judged ball that led to Breetzke’s dismissal. The Proteas debutant, facing just his fourth delivery, misread the drift and turn of Taijul’s delivery. Expecting the ball to spin away sharply, Breetzke raised his bat to leave it, but the ball held its line, sliding on and crashing into the off-stump. Breetzke was out for 0, and Taijul celebrated his milestone wicket in style.
Here is the video:
What a way to reach 200 Test wickets! 👏🏻
Taijul Islam becomes only the 2nd Bangladeshi bowler after Shakib Al Hasan to reach the milestone! 💥#BANvSAonFanCode pic.twitter.com/B0h52bO15b
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 21, 2024
Taijul was Bangladesh’s standout performer on Day 1, mesmerizing the South African batters with his sharp spin and clever variations. He finished the day with five wickets, playing a pivotal role in keeping Bangladesh competitive despite their low first-innings total. His ability to outfox the Proteas’ batters with flight and turn was a highlight of the day, demonstrating his crucial role in the Bangladesh bowling attack.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Taijul Islam’s 5-fer lifts Bangladesh after South Africa’s fierce bowling on Day 1 of first Test
South Africa takes slim lead despite Bangladesh fightback
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh struggled to handle South Africa’s fierce bowling attack and were bowled out for just 106 in their first innings. Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj were exceptional for South Africa, each taking three wickets. Dane Piedt added another wicket to complete a dominant display by the South African bowlers. Rabada also reached his own milestone during the match, claiming his 300th Test wicket by dismissing Bangladesh batter Mushfiqur Rahim.
By the end of Day 1, South Africa managed to score 140 for the loss of six wickets, taking a slim 34-run lead in their first innings.
Also WATCH: Hasan Mahmud bowls an absolute jaffa to dismiss Aiden Markram on Day 1 of the first Test | BAN vs SA
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