Kagiso Rabada dismantled Bangladesh’s batting on the third morning, leaving the hosts struggling at 48 for 8. Mominul Haque’s determined 20th Test fifty, coupled with an 89-run stand with Taijul Islam, provided some stability as Bangladesh faced a daunting deficit. Rabada, recently back to No. 1 in Test bowling rankings, claimed his second five-wicket haul of the series, bringing his total to 14 wickets at a remarkable average of 7.78.
Bangladesh’s collapse began early as Rabada removed Najmul Hossain Shanto and then, in rapid succession, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan, and debutant Mahidul Islam, capitalising on a pitch offering variable bounce. Dane Paterson contributed by claiming a wicket, and Keshav Maharaj’s introduction saw Mominul taking an aggressive approach, propelling Bangladesh beyond 50.
Despite Rabada’s dominance, Mominul countered with confident strokes, driving and sweeping Maharaj while withstanding South Africa’s relentless appeals. He was nearly dismissed leg-before but was saved by reviews. Rabada, pressing for a sixth wicket before lunch, overstepped, giving Mominul another chance, which he capitalised on with a boundary.
Senuran Muthusamy, introduced briefly before lunch, provided some respite to the batters, as Bangladesh set out to avoid a follow-on, still needing 238 runs.