DHAKA, Oct 24, 2024 (BSS) - South Africa were over the moon after ending its win-drought in the sub-continent following a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first cricket Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Since their 153-run win against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2014, South Africa every time left this region with empty-handed. Even in 2015 in Bangladesh tour, they had to draw both of the Test, albeit largely due to inclement weather.

Their last Test win in Bangladesh was in Chattogram in 2008 - by an innings and 205 runs - in a game that featured a world-record opening stand of 415 between Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie.

"It’s really good performance. Incredibly tough for the team to put four days of good cricket together,” South Africa stand-in captain Aiden Markram said.

“Bowlers were great there and then the batters helped us get a great lead. When you get a lead like that, it's tough for opposition to come back.”

The victory looked imminent when South Africa bowled Bangladesh out for 106 in the first innings. Albeit hiccups, they were able to gain a massive 202-run lead by replying with 308 all out, thanks to Kyle Verreynne’s valiant 114.

But Bangladesh resisted through Mehidy Hasan Miraz who quelled the fear of innings defeat and set Sotuh Africa 106-run target for victory, hitting a stubborn 97.

A determined South Africa gunned down the target in just 22 overs, before the lunch session on Day 4.

“Credit to Bangladesh for making us graft yesterday but to knock them off was a good feather in the cap,” Markram who led the side in absence of injured Temba Bavuma said.

Bavuma was the only one in this South African squad who had the experience to play a Test in Bangladesh.

With Bavuma’s absence and their dismal sub-continent record made Bangladesh hot favourite to win the Test.

And things looked good for Bangladesh also when they won the toss. However a fine bowling from South African bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada who took 3-26 and 6-39 in the two innings gave the Proteas the baton of the game that they never let go.

“It was a good toss to lose. We would've batted first too, that's what happens in subcontinent, but our bowlers managed to bundle them out for a low score,” Markram said.

But South Africa batters vulnerability against spin was exposed severely once again. Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam ruled the rooster before Verreynne stepped in to play sweep and reverse sweep shots perfectly and gave South Africa the huge edge.

“It happens like that in subcontinent. You can lose wickets quite quickly. Bangladesh bowled well too. We can take forward as a group, keeping the lesson we got in the first innings, in mind. It's really pleasing,” Markram said, praising Verreynne and fast bowler Rabada who not only sliced through Bangladesh batting but also became the quickest to get to 300 wickets.

“Rabada is a special bowler for us. For Kyle (Verreynne) to step in and play that sort of innings, that's really special. Emphasis is on whoever playing should make it count."

Verreynne, who was adjudged man of the match for his brilliant century, however said he is happy to overcome the challenge spinners in his first Test in sub-continent.

"Just backing our options and staying nice and positive. That's what I looked to do. Wanted to commit to the right options,” Verreynne said.

“It's my first Test match in subcontinent, so (it was) a new challenge. But our prep leading into the series was really good. My batting has also given me confidence. Worked out in this game. It's important to get partnerships and capitalizing on them. Reaching 300 as a team was important."