Chattogram Test: South Africa cruise as De Zorzi, Stubbs build strong stand

A maiden Test ton from Tony de Zorzi has led South Africa to a confident 205-1 at Tea on Day 1 of the Chattogram Test against Bangladesh.

Since winning the toss and choosing to bat on Tuesday, the Proteas have seemed comfortable at the crease.

De Zorzi (101*) and captain Aiden Markram (33) played solidly through the opening overs before Taijul (1-70) tempted Markram to dance down the pitch only to chip it into the hands of Mominul Haque at mid on.

But Tristan Stubbs (65*) has proved a worthy replacement, partnering with De Zorzi for an 136-run stand for the second wicket.

Though the Tigers have had a couple of chances to dismiss De Zorzi, the 27-year-old brought up his first hundred in the white uniform format in the 55th over – just before tea – with a boundary from a sweep.

Bangladesh are looking for redemption on home soil after a 7-wicket loss to the Proteas in the first Test in Mirpur.

The hosts have made three changes to the side that lost in Mirpur. Mahidul Islam Ankon wins his first Test cap for Bangladesh, taking over the wicket-keeping gloves from Litton Das, who was sidelined due to illness.

Zakir Hasan and fast bowler Nahid Rana also joined the XI, replacing Zakir Ali, who was out due to a concussion in practice, and Nayeem Hasan.

South Africa, meanwhile, will be hoping the match will be another step on their road to the World Test Championship final.

The visitors have also made two changes for this Test match. Off-spinner Dane Piedt, who struggled in Mirpur, was replaced by Senuran Muthusamy, a left-arm spinner and competent lower middle-order batsman. Seamer Dane Paterson also came into the side in place of Matthew Breetzke.

It had already been confirmed that regular captain Temba Bavuma would miss the match due to injury.