Rain Halts Play as Bangladesh Extend Lead Over South Africa in First Test
The first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa at Mirpur took an intriguing turn on the third day as rain halted play with Bangladesh leading by 65 runs. Bangladesh had reached 267 for seven in 80 overs, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz leading the charge at 77 not out, just before the rain came. The match was delicately poised, with both teams still very much in contention.
The turning point of the day came midway through the afternoon session when Keshav Maharaj, South Africa's left-arm spinner, broke a vital seventh-wicket stand. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and debutant Jaker Ali had put on a brilliant partnership of 138 off 245 balls, pulling Bangladesh back into the game. Maharaj, who bowled tirelessly, finally got the breakthrough, trapping Jaker Ali lbw with a quicker delivery. Ali departed for a well-earned 55 off 102 balls, including seven boundaries.
Maharaj struck again in the same over, almost dismissing Nayeem Hasan leg-before. However, a review saved the Bangladeshi batter as the ball was shown to have struck his shoulder before missing the stumps. Maharaj was South Africa’s standout bowler, taking 3 for 98 in 35 overs by the time rain stopped play. His consistent line and length troubled the Bangladesh batters throughout the day, though his fellow spinner Dane Piedt struggled, conceding 95 runs in 19 overs.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed their innings on 201 for six, just one run short of making South Africa bat again. Miraz, who brought up his ninth Test half-century, and Ali took control of the morning session, frustrating the South African bowlers. Both players handled the spin attack well, with Ali marking his debut with an impressive fifty.
When the rain interrupted proceedings, Bangladesh had moved into a promising position, but with the second new ball available for South Africa, the match remains finely balanced. With Mehidy still unbeaten and Nayeem Hasan on 12, the hosts will hope to extend their lead when play resumes.
The outcome of this Test will hinge on how well Bangladesh can capitalize on their current position and how effectively South Africa uses the new ball to restrict further runs.
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