Kyle Verreynne's century puts Proteas in pole position in Dhaka

Kyle Verreynne had to endure tough times, certain edges that could have carried and a regular loss of partners at the other end, but ended up getting what he deserved the most - a century, his first in Asia and the first by any South African wicketkeeper-batter in Bangladesh.  

The 27-year-old walked into bat with the Proteas in a precarious situation at 99/5, having lost the last two wickets in a span of two balls to Taijul Islam. He then saw Ryan Rickleton getting dismissed as well. 

It was the resolve of the Western Province batter that kept him going as he found a more than able partner in pace-bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. The duo not only saw off the Bangladeshi spin challenge for the remaining part of Day 1 of the first Test in Dhaka, but also took the Proteas in the lead by the end of the first day’s play. 

On the second day too, they did not let their guard down, adding 87 to their already 32-run strong partnership. Mulder departed as Hasan Mahmud struck twice in two balls and put Proteas in a bit of a worry, although the lead had already gone beyond 100.  

Dane Piedt though was more than capable of holding the fort and Verreynne trusted him. The wicketkeeper played his shots while Piedt remained by his side and reached the milestone. The two added 66 for the ninth wicket.

By the time the South African innings was over, Bangladesh trailed by 202 runs with Verreynne’s 114 playing a huge role. This was only the second century in the longest format for the right-handed batter after his maiden ton against New Zealand at Christchurch in 2022. 

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