Bangladesh were bowled out for 298 in the final session on day three of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban on Saturday.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s maiden Test ton reduced the South African lead to 69 runs but a lack of support from the other end, diminished Bangladesh’s hope of obtaining a lead.
Mahmudul top scored 137 runs, hitting 15 fours and two sixes. He opened the innings and was the last one to get dismissed after stitching valuable partnerships with Liton Das, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Mahmudul was dismissed by Lizaad Willams, who finished the innings by picking up three wickets for 54 runs but the Simon Harmer was the pick of the bowlers as he wreaked havoc, picking up four wickets on the previous day. Harmer went wicketless on day three but returned with figures four for 103.
Mehidy (29) gave good company to Mahmudul with a 51-run partnership but was dismissed by Wiann Mulder.
Mulder tempted him with a full-length delivery outside off-stump and Mehidy edged it to the slips, trying to play an expansive drive.
Khaled Ahmed didn’t disturb the scorers, going for nought after facing seven deliveries.
Bangladesh started day three at 98-4 and lost nightwatchman Taskin Ahmed early in the morning session.
Liton was dropped by South Africa skipper Dean Elgar but failed to capitalise on his reprieve as he was was castled by Williams after scoring 41 runs shortly after lunch.
Yasir Ali got himself run out after a mix-up in the middle with Mahmudul. Yasir, who was batting on 22, failed to respond to his partner’s call and was left stranded on the middle of the pitch before Kyle Verrynne took the bails off.
South Africa were 6-0 before play was stopped for bad light, with only four over bowled.
