On October 29, during the second Test in Chattogram, South African players Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, and Wiaan Mulder each scored their maiden Test centuries in a historic first innings. Their performance led to South Africa’s total of 575 for six declared, marking only the second instance in Test cricket history where three players achieved their maiden centuries in the same innings, a feat last accomplished in 1948.
In a remarkable display of talent, South African cricketers Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, and Wiaan Mulder each achieved their maiden Test centuries during the first innings of the second Test against Bangladesh, which commenced on October 29 in Chattogram. This event marks a historic occurrence, as it is only the second instance in the annals of Test cricket where three players from the same team secured their first centuries in the same innings. The South African captain, Aiden Markram, elected to bat first upon winning the toss. Although Markram contributed a score of 33 runs, the partnership between de Zorzi and Stubbs proved pivotal, as they forged a significant 201-run collaboration for the second wicket before Stubbs was dismissed for 106 runs. At the conclusion of day one, South Africa finished with an impressive total of 307 for the loss of two wickets, with de Zorzi remaining not out at 141 runs. Upon resumption of play on day two, de Zorzi continued his exceptional performance, reaching 177 runs before falling victim to Taijul Islam’s lbw delivery. This dismissal initiated a minor collapse of the South African innings, which transitioned from a substantial 386 for two to 423 for six. Nevertheless, Mulder and Senuran Muthusamy’s partnership yielded an admirable 152 runs for the seventh wicket, culminating in a declared total of 575 for six, with Mulder remaining not out at 105 runs. By the end of day two, Bangladesh found themselves in a precarious position at 38 for four. Historically, the achievement of three players scoring their maiden Test centuries in the same innings is a rarity, previously only accomplished over 75 years ago in November 1948, when the West Indies faced India in Delhi. That match featured centuries from Clyde Walcott, Gerry Gomez, Everton Weekes, and Robert Christiani. In total, there have been 50 instances where two players have recorded their maiden Test centuries in a single innings; the most recent occurrence was noted in April 2023, involving Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher of Ireland against Sri Lanka.
This article highlights a significant achievement in cricket history as three South African players marked their maiden Test centuries during a single innings against Bangladesh. Such accomplishments are rare, with the last similar instance occurring over 75 years ago. This reflection on player milestones showcases not only individual brilliance but also the historical context of such achievements within the sport of cricket. Furthermore, it underscores the evolution of player performance in Test matches and its alignment with the sport’s storied history.
In conclusion, the South African cricket team’s performance in Chattogram is noteworthy, with Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, and Wiaan Mulder all achieving their maiden Test centuries in a single innings—a rarity in the game’s history. Their contributions not only secured a monumental win against Bangladesh but also etched their names in cricket lore, reminiscent of past achievements. This match exemplifies the excitement and unpredictability of Test cricket, where history can be made at any moment.
Original Source: www.wisden.com
