On the first day of the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, South African batsman Tony de Zorzi showcased a stellar performance, remaining unbeaten on 141 when Tristan Stubbs also hit maiden ton, as South Africa ended the day at 307 for 2, with play halted due to poor light.
Throughout the 81 overs bowled, de Zorzi, who opened the innings, battled through cramps to stay at the crease. He formed a formidable 201-run partnership for the third wicket with Tristan Stubbs, who also celebrated his maiden Test century.
The final session of the day saw 102 runs added, with Taijul Islam claiming the wicket of Stubbs, bringing his tally to two wickets for 110 runs in his 30 overs.
The pitch offered little pace and lacked skid, allowing the batsmen to dominate. Earlier in the day, Aiden Markram was dismissed by Taijul for 33. After Stubbs' dismissal, de Zorzi accelerated his scoring, reaching 141, while David Bedingham remained not out on 18.
Bangladesh managed just one over with the new ball before bad light ended the day's play.
Earlier in the day, Mahidul Islam Ankon made his international debut as Bangladesh, having lost the toss, were put in to bowl first.
Bangladesh's opening bowlers, Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, struggled to find assistance from the pitch. Hasan did create a chance, inducing an edge from de Zorzi when he was on six, but debutant wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon couldn't hold onto the difficult catch.
Taijul Islam broke the opening partnership at 69, enticing Aiden Markram into a false shot for Bangladesh's first breakthrough.
By lunch, South Africa reached 109 for 1. De Zorzi and Stubbs then capitalised on the placid pitch, batting through the entire second session to take the score to 205 for 1 by Tea.
