Bangladesh’s hopes of avoiding an innings defeat in the first Test against South Africa dwindled on Tuesday as they reached stumps at 101-3, still needing 101 runs to survive. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (38) and Mushfiqur Rahim (31) were unbeaten at the crease, with their 42-run stand for the fourth wicket helping Mushfiqur become the first Bangladeshi to surpass 6,000 career Test runs.
The hosts’ batting woes began early as Kagiso Rabada dismissed Shadman Islam for one in the third over, followed by Mominul Haque for naught three balls later. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto fell lbw to Keshav Maharaj for 23 off 49 deliveries, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 19-3 before tea.
South Africa had earlier declared their first innings on 308, securing a 202-run lead thanks to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne’s century. Verreynne scored 114, including eight fours and two sixes, and shared a 119-run stand for the seventh wicket with Wiaan Mulder (54).
Bangladesh’s bowlers had struggled to make inroads on Monday, with Rabada becoming the fastest to reach 300 Test wickets. However, Hasan Mahmud provided a glimmer of hope in the morning session, taking two wickets in two balls to dismiss Mulder and Maharaj.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam also passed 200 Test wickets, finishing with 5-122. He became only the second Bangladeshi to achieve the feat after Shakib Al Hasan.
Bangladesh have never beaten South Africa in a Test match, and the second of the two-match series begins in Chattogram on October 29.
