JP King’s commanding 149 put South Africa Emerging in a strong position on the opening day of the second four-day match against Bangladesh Emerging, as the hosts closed on 307 for four in 91 overs in Potchefstroom on Sunday. King dominated the day with a well-paced century, while captain Mitchell van Buuren remained unbeaten on 71 and Andile Simelane was 10 not out. Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to make sustained inroads after South Africa Emerging won the toss and opted to bat.
It took Bangladesh until the 30th over to claim their first wicket. Modiri Litheko, who scored a century in the previous match, was dismissed for 46 by Ashraful Hasan, edging a catch to Aminul Islam Biplob at gully. King then added 60 with Valentine Kitime before their partnership was broken in the 45th over. Kitime was run out for 22 after a misunderstanding between the wickets, leaving South Africa on 161 for two.
The dismissal did little to slow King down. He put on another substantial partnership with van Buuren, adding 104 for the third wicket. King eventually departed in the 73rd over, caught and bowled by Abu Hasim after a 225-ball innings containing 20 fours and two sixes. Richard Seletswane, another centurion from the opening match, could manage only nine from 23 balls before Aminul Islam Biplob accounted for him.
Van Buuren and Similane then added an unbeaten 25 for the fifth wicket to take South Africa safely through to the close. Abu Hasim, Ashraful Hasan and Aminul Islam Biplob took one wicket apiece for Bangladesh, but the attack lacked the penetration needed to keep South Africa under pressure.
The first four-day match ended in a draw after Bangladesh fought back strongly with the bat on the final day. Mahidul Islam Ankon, Aminul and Nayeem Hasan helped their side resist South Africa’s push for victory. Bangladesh now face another demanding task with the second match already slipping away from them after the opening day.
