South Africa script history with three centurions in a Test in Asia

Wiaan Mulder notched up his maiden Test hundred on Day 2 of the second Test against Bangladesh on Wednesday (October 30). Mulder’s unbeaten 105 alongside Senuran Muthusamy’s 68 not out elevated South Africa to 575/6d in their first innings. 

In another feat, this is the first occasion of three South Africa batters scoring a hundred in a Test in Asia and the 21st such instance overall. On Day 1, Tony de Zorzi (177) and Tristan Stubbs (106) also amassed hundreds. Coincidentally, it is the first Test ton for all three in this trio. In addition, Muthsamy and David Bedingham (59) scored half-centuries. 

The last time South Africa had three centurions in an innings was also against Bangladesh, although it was at home in South Africa, in 2017. In fact, the Proteas had four centurions in that innings — Dean Elgar (113), Aiden Markram (143), Hashim Amla (132) and Faf du Plessis (135*). South Africa then declared at 573/4 and won the Test by an innings and 254 runs. 

Since 2010 alone, South Africa have 10 instances of three centurions or more in the same innings, mostly including their golden generation of batters in Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers and more. 

Already 0-1 down, Bangladesh have their back against the wall in this Test match, having lost four wickets for 38 runs in response to South Africa’s gigantic effort with the bat. 

(Image Credits: @ProteasMenCSA on X)

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