Career-Best Innings and Tony de Zorzi’s Regret in Chattogram

By the end of Day 2, South Africa is firmly in the driver’s seat in the Chattogram Test. In response to the Proteas’ 575 runs, Bangladesh lost 4 wickets for just 38 runs. The star of South Africa’s innings was Tony de Zorzi, who played a career-best innings of 177 after being given a lifeline on 6.

De Zorzi left the field, trapped LBW by Taijul Islam, regretting his missed chance to reach a double century. In the press conference at the end of the day, he shared, “I had the opportunity. It’s not often in Test cricket that you get a chance to bat for such a long period. Yes, I could have reached a double century or even more. But perhaps today just wasn’t my day. Still, I’m very happy that Wiaan and the others capitalized on the chance.”

Enduring the intense Chattogram heat, De Zorzi felt muscle cramps from the long innings but continued to bat. When reporters asked how he managed, he replied, “I was cramping all over. Arms and shoulders are crucial for batting, and I tried to keep going as much as possible. The rest of the team was a huge help in supporting me, which made my return easier. Batting with Stubbs especially helped me push through the time.”

Reflecting on the legacy of Graeme Smith and others in Chattogram, De Zorzi said, “The pitch is good, the wicket is supportive. If you get set on a wicket like this, you can dominate. Rana bowled a few short balls, but the wicket held up well. I was still in school when Graeme and Neil played here. We’re trying to build on that legacy.”