Bangladesh struggles to avoid an innings defeat against South Africa, reaching 101-3 at stumps and needing 101 runs to safeguard against losing. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim look to build a partnership after earlier wickets fell quickly to Kagiso Rabada. South Africa led by 202 runs after scoring 308 in their first innings, with notable performances from Verreynne and Mulder. Bangladesh aims for a comeback as the match unfolds amidst a historical context of previous encounters with South Africa.
In a tense battle to stave off potential defeat, Bangladesh concluded day three of the first Test against South Africa in Mirpur at 101-3, still requiring an additional 101 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim remained at the crease, scoring 38 and 31 not out respectively, thereby forming a crucial partnership of 42 runs for the fourth wicket. This achievement marked a milestone for Mushfiqur, who became the first Bangladeshi batsman to amass over 6,000 runs in Test cricket. The Bangladesh team faced significant challenges during their innings, losing critical early wickets to South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. The hosts fell to 19-2 quickly, with Shadman Islam dismissed for a mere one run, followed shortly by Mominul Haque who was out without scoring after edging a delivery to third slip. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also struggled, dismissed leg before wicket (lbw) by Keshav Maharaj after managing only 23 runs off 49 balls. Notably, Mahmudul Joy narrowly avoided a dismissal just before the end of the day as he attempted a risky slog. In South Africa’s first innings, the team posted a total of 308 runs, aided by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne’s century, which earned him the last dismissal at 114 runs. Verreynne’s performance included eight fours and two sixes, anchoring a key seventh-wicket partnership of 119 runs with Wiaan Mulder, who contributed 54 runs. This feat set a record for South Africa’s highest seventh-wicket stand against Bangladesh. Additionally, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam notably joined an elite club by surpassing 200 Test wickets during this match, finishing with figures of 5-122—second only to Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladesh’s cricket history. Despite Bangladesh’s dire situation, the home side can take solace in the bowling performances, especially by Hasan Mahmud who took two wickets in two balls in a single over, ending with figures of 3-66. However, Bangladesh entered the game with the historical context of having never secured a Test victory against South Africa, which adds to the weight of their current predicament as the series progresses towards its second match scheduled to commence on October 29 in Chattogram.
The current Test match marks a significant moment for Bangladesh cricket as they seek to find success against a formidable South African side. Throughout their history in Test cricket, Bangladesh has struggled against South Africa, failing to win a single match out of 18 encounters. This context intensifies the pressure on the Bangladeshi players as they fight against an innings defeat in the ongoing match. South Africa’s cricketing prowess, highlighted by their impressive performances such as Rabada’s record-breaking achievement of fastest to 300 Test wickets, contrasts sharply with Bangladesh’s aspirations for recognition and success on the global stage.
In conclusion, Bangladesh finds itself at a critical juncture in the first Test against South Africa, having reached 101-3 and looking to overcome a deficit of 101 runs to save the match. The contributions of Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim are vital, especially as they battle against a robust South African attack. The historic context adds further pressure, with Bangladesh striving to achieve what they have never accomplished: a Test victory over South Africa. As the series progresses, both teams will look to assert their dominance in the upcoming second Test set to begin soon.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
