Tony de Zorzi Recalls Smith-McKenzie Memories of 2008 in Chattogram

Taking advantage of two dropped catches, South African opener Tony de Zorzi made no mistakes in completing his first Test century. At the start of the morning, when his score was just 6, he received a life due to a dropped catch by wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon. Later, after reaching fifty, he was given another chance when Shadman Islam, standing at slip, failed to catch a ball that came his way while he was on 67.

Tony de Zorzi became the third South African opener, after Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie, to taste a Test century on Bangladeshi soil. Back in 2008, McKenzie and Smith scored twin double centuries in Chattogram, putting together an opening partnership of 415 runs. With his century, de Zorzi now shares a place in their record. Ultimately, McKenzie scored 226 runs and Smith made 232 before being dismissed.

Tony de Zorzi will aim to follow in the footsteps of those historic openers and convert his century into a double.

After Mahidul Islam Ankon, it was Shadman Islam who dropped a catch, allowing de Zorzi to complete his century after receiving a second life. The Bangladeshi bowlers have been left in despair at Sagarika. Among those feeling the most disappointed by de Zorzi's century was pacer Hasan Mahmud, as he had created two opportunities to dismiss de Zorzi during the two sessions.

Despite the missed catches, Tony de Zorzi achieved his first Test century. In the 55th over of the innings, he reached his maiden Test century with a boundary off Mehedi Hasan Miraz. He took 146 balls to reach the milestone, hitting 8 boundaries and 2 sixes.