Rabada’s six-for powers South Africa to a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first Test.

Kagiso Rabada produced a stunning bowling performance, including his first five-wicket haul in Asia, to lead South Africa to a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in Dhaka. Rabada’s impressive 6-46 on day 4 limited Bangladesh’s second innings to 307 and set a modest target of 106 for victory for South Africa.

From 283/7 on the final day, Bangladesh had previously added just 24 more runs. Rabada dismissed Nayeem Hasan to take his fifth wicket. lbw in the first over. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who showed his fighting spirit as he batted for 97, was the last to fall and hit a catch off Wiaan Mulder at third slip to completely eliminate Bangladesh. Rabada’s heroics were well complemented by Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj, who provided crucial support in both innings.

South Africa, aware of the approaching threat of rain, took a positive approach to the chase. Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi quickly set the tone as the captain struck boundaries early on. Despite losing Markram and de Zorzi to Taijul Islam, South Africa continued to cruise. Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham performed confidently, with Stubbs finishing with an unbeaten 30 to seal the win in just 22 overs.

Bangladesh’s first innings collapsed with Rabada, Mulder and Maharaj taking quick wickets to bundle out the hosts for just 106. South Africa found themselves in early trouble at 108/6 but were rescued by Kyle Verreynne’s magnificent 114 and Mulder’s half-century. Their total of 308 runs secured them a sizeable first-innings lead. Mehidy and Jaker Ali formed a record partnership for Bangladesh in the second innings, but Rabada’s match-winning spell left them with too much to do.

South Africa’s clinical performance, led by Rabada, gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and recorded their first Test win in Asia since 2014.