South Africa captain Dean Elgar lauded the performance of a weak side after registering a crushing 332-run win against Bangladesh on Day 4 of the second Test at St George’s Park on Monday.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque expressed grief over the failure of his players to perform with both bat and ball.
Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer led South Africa to victory for the second week in a row.
Bangladesh’s team was reduced to 80 runs for the loss of their remaining seven wickets within an hour.
Left-arm spinner Maharaj took seven for 40 and off-spinner Harmer took three for 34.
This was the second match in a row in which both the spinners bowled unchanged in the fourth innings. It was Maharaj’s second seven wickets in successive matches after taking seven for 32 in South Africa’s 220-run victory in the first Test in Durban.
Maharaj, who scored the highest 84 runs in South Africa’s first innings, was adjudged Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
South Africa shrugged off the loss of five key players, including their first-choice fast bowling line-up in the Indian Premier League.
“People say we’re playing the series with a weak team, but I don’t see it that way,” Elgar said in a post-match presentation.
“I look to give opportunities to people at this level, to test their skills and see where they are as an international cricketer.”
Elgar praised Maharaj and Harmer, who took advantage of the favorable spin conditions in both Tests.
“What a combination it is. It’s great to see two people go about their business at the highest level in their careers,” he said.
Elgar said the performances of some of the young players were the highlights of the series. “They are raising their hand and putting pressure on people who are not here,” he said.
– ‘Giant statement’ –
Speaking at a press conference later, Elgar said that South Africa had enjoyed a successful summer with five victories in seven Tests, but he was wary that with series against England and Australia coming up the big deal. Challenges will emerge.
He said that IPL players were not guaranteed their place. “I think the guys who have just played have made a big statement.”
Mominul said Bangladesh has failed to perform as a team. “When we play well, we play as a team. We didn’t have any partnership with batting and bowling.”
He said that bowlers are guilty of bowling on both sides of the wicket while the batsmen need to apply themselves more.
Three wickets fell in the first half hour, which was as disappointing for Bangladesh as the first Test in Durban, when they were bowled out for 53 after starting the final day at 11 for three.
Bangladesh lost their fourth wicket in just eight balls in the day’s play, after resuming in an almost disappointing 27 for three after a set of 413 runs for the win.
Mushfiqur Rahim went on a massive campaign against Maharaj and was cleverly caught in the slips by Elgar for one.
Mominul did not add to his overnight five, attempting a sweep over midwicket.
Yasir Ali slogged the fourth ball from Harmer at deep midwicket as Bangladesh posted 44 for six, losing three for 17 in 29 balls since the start of the game.
Liton Das batted brilliantly, scoring 27 and sharing the stand of 25 with Mehdi Hasan, before being stumped by Kyle Verne against Maharaj.
The last three wickets fell within seven balls.
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