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A brilliant 137 runs from opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy brought Bangladesh back into the Durban Test as they ended the third day only 75 runs behind the Proteas on Saturday.
Mahmudul’s knock, which broke a few records, took Bangladesh to 298 despite starting the day on 98-4. In reply, South Africa managed six runs in the first four overs before play was called off due to bad light and rain.
After being rocked by Simon Harmer on the second day, Bangladesh lost nightwatchman Taskin Ahmed early on the third day.
But Mahmudul managed to knit together an 82-run stand with Liton Das, which saw Bangladesh end the first session without being further scathed. Liton though was lucky as he was dropped by Protea skipper Dean Elgar at first slip on 16.
His luck ran out in the second session as he was bowled by Lizaad Williams in the second delivery after lunch, but Mahmudul managed a 33-run stand with Yasir to ensure a collapse did not follow.
Yasir, who looked solid in his knock of 22, committed suicide as he tried to take a double and got run out. Despite Mahmudul’s loud call of no, Yasir kept running and lost his wicket.
Out came Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and formed a 51-run stand with Mahmudul. During this partnership, Mahmudul picked up his maiden Test century off 269 deliveries.
The partnership was broken by Wiaan Mulder as Miraz edged to Harmer at first slip for 29. After that, Mahmudul started a counter-attack, adding 31 quickfire runs in just 24 deliveries.
In that period, he hit Harmer for a six and a four and then punished Mulder for four boundaries in an over.
Mahmudul finally was dismissed by Williams for 137 as he was looking for another boundary. He edged the ball to Harmer at slip, ending a marathon knock of 326 balls and 442 minutes, where the 21-year-old hit 15 fours and two sixes.
In reply, South Africa managed only six runs in their four overs before play was called off due to bad light.
Bangladesh though managed to lose a review in that short span of time. Dean Elgar tried to play at a delivery away from his body off Najmul Hossain Shanto’s bowling but missed. Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque reviewed, but it was in vain as the ball had not touched the edge.
Earlier in the second day, Bangladesh had bowled out South Africa for 367 as Khaled Ahmed took four wickets for 92 runs. In reply, Bangladesh had a good start, but four wickets from Harmer saw them end the day 269 runs behind.
