South Africa slammed 17 sixes against Bangladesh and broke a long-standing record of more than 14 years on Day 2 of the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Wednesday. The Proteas smashed 17 sixes during the innings as they amassed 575/6 declared, breaking their previous best total of 15 sixes they had managed against the West Indies in 2010. It was the equal third-most amount of sixes ever achieved in one innings in men’s Test cricket, with New Zealand holding the record of 22 sixes against Pakistan in 2014.

Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham and Wiaan Mulder all managed four sixes each, while Tristan Stubbs (three) and Senuran Muthusamy (two) also cleared the rope.

Only last year the Proteas broke the record for most sixes at a single edition of an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup when they hit a whopping total of 99 sixes during the 2023 event in India.

South Africa’s big total put them in control of the second Test against Bangladesh, with newly-crowned No.1 Test bowler Kagiso Rabada taking two key wickets before stumps on day two to leave the hosts reeling at 38/4 in reply.

If South Africa can complete a series sweep over Bangladesh it will leave them well-placed to reach a first ICC World Test Championship Final next year, with remaining series at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The Proteas are currently in fifth place on the standings but can finish in the top two and qualify for next year’s final with positive results from their remaining fixtures.

South Africa have climbed to fourth spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings after a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first Test on Thursday. The Proteas improved their point-percentage to 47.62 with the victory, which helped them jump over New Zealand and England and take fourth place on the standings. Bangladesh’s loss sees their point-percentage drop to 30.56 and they continue to languish in seventh place with India and Australia still remaining in the top two spots on the standings.

Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and chose to bat first but the decision backfired as South Africa’s pacers and spinners thrived in favourable conditions, bowling out Bangladesh for a mere 106. Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj each claimed three wickets.

Bangladesh’s spinners fought back, with Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan sharing seven wickets between them. However, a resilient century from Kyle Verreynne, supported by Mulder (54) and Dane Piedt (32), helped South Africa build a commanding 202-run lead.

In the third innings, South Africa’s bowlers, led by Rabada, once again dominated, reducing Bangladesh to 112/6. Mehidy Hasan (97) offered strong resistance, forming crucial partnerships with the lower order to push the total to 307. Rabada ended with impressive figures of 6/46, his best in Asia.

Chasing 106, South Africa faced little difficulty, with Tony de Zorzi (41) and Tristan Stubbs (30*) guiding them to a seven-wicket victory.

The second Test between Bangladesh and South Africa will be played from October 29 in Chattogram.

Bangladesh vs South Africa, 1st Test Day 2, Live Updates: South Africa will be resuming their innings from 140/6 on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka. At Stumps, Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Verreynne were standing not out for 17 and 18 respectively. Earlier on Day 1, the Proteas bundled out Bangladesh for 106 with Kagiso Rabada celebrating being the fastest to take 300 Test wickets. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat but four of their top six batsmen failed to reach double figures, with opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy top-scoring with 30 on a lively pitch. (Live Scorecard)

WI vs SA Live Score, 2nd Test Day 2: Jason Holder holds the key for West Indies when play resumes on Day 2 with the hosts reeling at 97/7 in the second Test against South Africa in Guyana. Holder was unbeaten on 33 at stumps on Day 1 after a brief stand with Gudakesh Motie (11), who fell on the final ball on the opening day. For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder starred with the excellent figures of four for 18. Mulder’s spell came after Shamar Joseph‘s haul of five for 33 led the rout of the Proteas for 160 after they chose to bat first. (Live Scorecard)