Bangladesh vs South Africa, 1st Test, Day 1: Dean Elgar's fifty takes hosts to 99/0 at lunch

South Africa are one away from their first century opening stand in 18 innings.

South Africa began their home season in a convincing fashion on Day One of the first Test. Dean Elgar and debutant Aiden Markram carried them to 99 for no loss. Losing the toss, the openers made complete use of the battin conditions. However, Bangladesh bowlers struggled to get their lengths right on a flat track.

Shafiul Islam and Mustafizur began the proceedings and found no swing in the initial overs. The fullish deliveries assisted Elgar and Markram to keep the scorecard ticking. Where Markram surprised many with his wristy boundaries, Elgar dominated with a few elegant ones.

At that point, a frustrated skipper Mushfiqur Rahim decided to bring his only spinner Mehedi Hasan as early as the fifth over. Although Mehedi did receive some flight, he failed to dislodge Markram and Elgar’s partnership. The duo brought up 50 for South Africa within 14 overs. South Africa openers stitched a fifty-run stand after 17 innings.

Meanwhile, where Haroon Lorgat was busy parting ways with Cricket South Africa (CSA), Elgar was cruising to his fifty No. 9 in Tests. Markram remained unbeaten on 43. South Africa are one run away from their first century opening stand in 18 innings.

Apart from Markram, Aiden Phehlukwayo was also handed his debut Test cap. Bangladesh included four seam bowlers and only one specialist spinner.

Brief scores:

South Africa 99 for no loss (Dean Elgar 56*, Aiden Markram 43*) vs Bangladesh

Editorial team of CricketCountry.