The Best of Tests: Graeme Smith, Neil McKenzie combine for highest-ever opening stand

Test cricket mirrors life. The ebbs and flows of the format have given birth to some of the most breath-taking cricketing epics. A Cricket World Series, The Best of Tests, highlights the finest of these spectacles.

Match Summary

South Africa 583/7dec (161.1)

Bangladesh 259/10, 119/10 (39.5)

Result - South Africa won by an innings and 205 runs

Player of the Match - Graeme Smith

South Africa had won their first Test by 5 wickets on their tour of Bangladesh in 2008 and not much different was expected of the second and final Test of the series.

But the way South Africa batted at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chattogram on February 29, 2008, they smashed several records on the way.

South Africa won the toss and there was little doubt in skipper Graeme Smith's mind to bat first. He strode out to the crease along with Neil McKenzie. For the next 94.3 overs, Bangladesh were made to toil hard by the opening pair.

Both McKenzie (226) and Smith (232) notched up double centuries as the entire day passed without a single wicket falling. The two added 415 runs for the the first wicket, overtaking the standing highest partnership of 413 between India's Vinoo mankad and Pankaj Roy against New Zealand in 1956.

The 405 runs that the duo scored on day 1 became the record for the most runs scored in a single day without the loss of a wicket. Smith's double century was the fourth of his career, the most by any South African.

There was little resistance by Bangladesh as in reply to Proteas' 583 for 7, they were bowled out for 259 and 119 in both their innings. South Africa registered a comfortable victory by an innings and 205 runs.

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