The World Test Championship chances were increased after South Africa defeated Bangladesh: The Proteas have moved to fourth place thanks to their big win over Bangladesh. South Africa have improved their fourth spot in the ICC World Test Championship standings after their impressive win over Bangladesh in the first Test in Mirpur.
With the win the Proteas improved their point-percentage to 47.62, taking them past New Zealand and England to fourth in the standings.
With Bangladesh’s loss their point-percentage dropped to 30.56 and they remain in seventh place, while India and Australia still occupy the top two spots in the standings.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto of Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field first against South Africa, but the move backfired as South Africa’s pacers and spinners outscored Bangladesh for just 106 runs thanks to their excellent play in favourable circumstances. Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada all claimed three wickets apiece.
Bangladesh’s spinners hit back, with Taijul Islam and Mehedi Hasan taking seven wickets together, but South Africa took a big lead of 202 runs thanks to a belligerent century from Kyle Verreynne and support from Mulder (54) and Dane Piedt (32).
South Africa’s bowlers once again took charge in the third innings, with Rabada leading the charge and at one stage the hosts were 112/6.
However, Mehedi Hasan (97) mounted resistance for Bangladesh and forged crucial partnerships with the lower order to take the team to 307. Rabada eventually produced his best bowling performance in Asia with 6/46.
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Needing 106 to win, South Africa had no trouble chasing the target and thanks to Tony de Zorzi’s 41 and Tristan Stubbs’ 30* in the fourth innings, they won the match by seven wickets. The second Test between Bangladesh and South Africa will be played in Chittagong on October 29.
South Africa vs Bangladesh Scorecard:
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| Bangladesh | 106 (40.1) | 307 (89.5 overs) |
| South Africa | 308 (88.4) | 106/3 (22.0) |
ICC Men’s World Test Championship Standings:
| Pos | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Ded | Points | Pct |
| 1 | India | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 98 | 68.06 |
| 2 | Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 90 | 62.5 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 55.56 |
| 4 | South Africa | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 47.62 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 44.44 |
| 6 | England | 18 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 19 | 93 | 43.06 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 33 | 30.56 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 28 | 25.93 |
| 9 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 20 | 18.52 |
