South Africa (SA) has done really well against Bangladesh in Test cricket. They have never lost to them. This is impressive because it is hard for players from other countries to score runs in Bangladesh, where the pitches favor spin bowlers. Here, we will look at the top five highest scores by South African batsmen in Test matches played in Bangladesh.
Highest Scores by South African Batsmen Against Bangladesh in Test
5. Kyle Verreynne – 114, Dhaka, 2024
Kyle Verreynne made history by being the third South African wicketkeeper to score a century in Asia. He scored 114 runs against Bangladesh in Dhaka in October 2024. Verreynne’s great innings included eight fours and two sixes, making him the fifth South African batsman to score a century in Bangladesh.
4. Boeta Dippenaar – 177*, Chattogram, 2003
In 2003, Boeta Dippenaar became the second SA batsman to score a century in Bangladesh, following Jacques Rudolph. He scored 177 not out while batting with Rudolph, and together they added 429 runs for the third wicket. This is the highest partnership for South Africa in Test cricket. Their performance helped South Africa win by an innings and 60 runs.
3. Jacques Rudolph – 222*, Chattogram, 2003
Jacques Rudolph played an important role in the same match as Dippenaar, scoring 222 runs without getting out. He was the first SA batsman to score a Test century in Bangladesh. Rudolph hit 29 fours and two sixes, showing his skill. South Africa declared their innings at 470/2, leading to an easy win as Bangladesh struggled to score 173 and 237 runs in their innings.
2. Neil McKenzie – 226, Chattogram, 2008
Neil McKenzie holds the record for the highest opening partnership in Test cricket, scoring 415 runs with Graeme Smith against Bangladesh in February 2008. McKenzie scored 226 runs off 388 balls, hitting 28 fours and three sixes. This great performance helped SA win the match by an innings and 205 runs.
1. Graeme Smith – 232, Chattogram, 2008
At the top is former captain Graeme Smith, who scored the highest individual score by a South African batsman in Bangladesh during the same match as McKenzie. Smith scored 232 runs off 277 balls, with 33 fours and one six. His effort, along with McKenzie’s, set a big total of 583/7 declared, leading South Africa to win by an innings and 205 runs. Smith was named the Player of the Match for his great performance.
Summary Table of Top 5 Scores
| Rank | Player | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Kyle Verreynne | 114 | Dhaka | 2024 |
| 4 | Boeta Dippenaar | 177* | Chattogram | 2003 |
| 3 | Jacques Rudolph | 222* | Chattogram | 2003 |
| 2 | Neil McKenzie | 226 | Chattogram | 2008 |
| 1 | Graeme Smith | 232 | Chattogram | 2008 |
Conclusion
The history of Test cricket between South Africa and Bangladesh has seen some amazing performances. Scoring big runs in Bangladesh is a big achievement for South African batsmen because of the tough conditions. The top five scores listed here show their talent and hard work. These performances not only helped them set personal records but also strengthened South Africa’s success in Test cricket against Bangladesh.
Also Read: Bangladesh Test Records: The Highest Totals in Test Cricket
