SA put Bangladesh attack to the sword

potchefstroom — Opener Dean Elgar batted through the opening day for an unbeaten century as South Africa piled on the runs against Bangladesh at Senwes Park on Thursday.

Elgar made 128 not out, his ninth Test century, and put on 196 for the first wicket with debutant Aiden Markram, who was run out for 97 as the Proteas closed on 298 for one.

Hashim Amla was unbeaten on 68 after he and Elgar added 102 for the second wicket.

Home captain Faf du Plessis could not hide his surprise after his Bangladesh opposite number Mushfiqur Rahim won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first.

South Africa made full use of what may prove to be a misguided decision by Rahim.

Du Plessis said at the toss he was “very surprised” by Rahim’s decision. “It looks a little bit dry.

D. Elgar not out A. Markram run out H. Amla not out

(lb4, w1) 1-196 (Markram) Mustafizur Rahman 16-1-54-0 (1w), Shafiul Islam 15-3-44-0, Mehidy Hasan 36-3-101-0, Taskin Ahmed 15-352-0, Mahmudullah 2-0-13-0, Mominul Haque 2-0-15-0, Sabbir Rahman 4-0-15-0 Bangladesh

I definitely would have batted. It looks a really good pitch and I expect it to spin later on.”

None of the seamers looked threatening and Hasan ended up bowling 36 overs, including two with the second new ball, conceding 101 runs.

Elgar and Markram were largely untroubled as they ticked off several milestones. —