Mehidy Hasan Miraz led Bangladesh’s spirited fight back with an unbeaten 87 on day three of the first Test against South Africa, turning a precarious situation into a tight contest. Bangladesh ended the day at 283 for 7 in their second innings at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, leading South Africa by 81 runs with three wickets in hand.
Bangladesh, trailing by 202 runs after the first innings, faced a potential innings defeat after losing early wickets, collapsing from 101-3 overnight to 112-6. Kagiso Rabada struck twice early in the day, removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 40 and clean bowling Mushfiqur Rahim. Keshav Maharaj followed up by dismissing Litton Das, with a successful review overturning the on-field decision.
However, Mehidy and debutant Jaker Ali mounted a strong resistance, putting on a 138-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Mehidy played aggressively, reaching his half-century off 94 balls, while Jaker followed suit with a 50 off 104 balls before being trapped leg-before by Maharaj for 58.
Rain interrupted play just as South Africa were about to take the second new ball, forcing an early tea break. After the delay, poor light prevented South Africa from using their seamers, and surprisingly, they continued with spin, allowing Bangladesh to add 16 more runs before play was called off.
Bangladesh will resume with Mehidy and Nayeem Hasan (16*), hoping to set South Africa a challenging target on a variable pitch.
Brief Scores (Day 3): Bangladesh 106 & 283/7 (Mehidy 87*, Jaker 58, Rabada 4-35) lead South Africa 308 by 81 runs.