In the first innings of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram, South Africa set a new milestone, breaking a record that had stood for over 14 years. The team hit an impressive 17 sixes, finishing their innings at 575/6 declared. This achievement surpassed their previous best of 15 sixes in a single innings, which they had recorded against the West Indies in 2010.

This tally of 17 sixes now ranks as the third-highest number of sixes ever hit in one innings in men’s Test cricket. The all-time record is held by New Zealand, who smashed 22 sixes in an innings against Pakistan in 2014.

Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, and Wiaan Mulder each smashed four sixes in South Africa’s commanding innings, with Tristan Stubbs adding three and Senuran Muthusamy clearing the boundary twice. This aggressive batting display contributed to a powerful total of 575/6 declared in the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram.

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This remarkable innings comes after the Proteas set another record just last year, hitting an impressive 99 sixes during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India — the most by any team in a single World Cup edition.

South Africa’s big total has put them firmly in control of the Test match, with newly crowned No. 1 Test bowler Kagiso Rabada claiming two crucial wickets before the end of day two, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 38/4 in reply.

If South Africa completes a series sweep over Bangladesh, it would greatly enhance their chances of reaching their first ICC World Test Championship Final next year. The Proteas have upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and currently sit in fifth place in the standings. With strong results in these remaining fixtures, they could secure a top-two finish and earn a place in the Championship Final.