Chattogram: South Africa made headlines on Day 2 of the second Test match against Bangladesh by breaking a 14-year record for most sixes in a single innings. Playing at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, the Proteas hit 17 sixes, eclipsing their previous best of 15 sixes achieved against the West Indies in 2010. This impressive total also ties for the third-highest number of sixes in an innings in men’s Test cricket, with New Zealand’s record of 22 sixes set against Pakistan in 2014 still unbeaten.
The standout players for South Africa’s six-hitting spree included Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, and Wiaan Mulder, each of whom contributed four sixes. Tristan Stubbs and Senuran Muthusamy added to the tally with three and two sixes, respectively. This display continues a trend for the Proteas, who set the record for the most sixes in a single edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, with 99 sixes in the 2023 tournament held in India.
South Africa’s total of 575/6 declared has put them firmly in control of the second Test. Kagiso Rabada, currently ranked as the No.1 Test bowler, reinforced their dominance by taking two vital wickets before the close of play, reducing Bangladesh to 38/4 at stumps. The Proteas are well-positioned to achieve a series sweep, which would boost their standing in the ICC World Test Championship, where they are currently ranked fifth. With upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, a series win could be pivotal in their quest to reach their first World Test Championship Final next year.
