Bangladesh is hosting South Africa for a two-match Test series, and the first Test is currently underway in Dhaka. As Day 3 begins, South Africa finds itself in a strong position, but Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz is spearheading a spirited comeback, aiming to set a challenging target for South Africa in the second innings. Here’s a review of the action from Day 3 of this gripping clash in Dhaka.
Day 3: First Session
The day began with rain, which contributed to variable bounce on the pitch, making conditions favourable for South Africa, who were already in a commanding position to win the Test. Bangladesh started the day trailing by 101 runs, with seven wickets still in hand. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudul Hasan Joy were at the crease, but South Africa's bowlers, led by D. Piedt, applied immediate pressure. The early overs were quiet, as the Bangladeshi batters took their time, but the pressure soon told, with Kagiso Rabada striking to dismiss Mahmudul Hasan, who was caught sharply by Bedingham.
Just a ball later, Mushfiqur Rahim followed him back to the pavilion, bowled by Rabada, who has now rattled Rahim’s stumps twice in this match. The score had plummeted to 106/5, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position. With two new batters at the crease, Mehidy Hasan and Litton Das, Bangladesh needed stability. However, Litton didn’t last long, falling to Keshav Maharaj, adding to Bangladesh's woes.
Making his Test debut under immense pressure, Jaker Ali joined Mehidy Hasan, and together they began to rebuild, forming a mini partnership that gradually reduced the deficit. Both played some elegant strokes, with Mehidy Hasan reaching his ninth Test fifty as their partnership crossed the fifty-run mark. Despite South Africa dominating the first forty minutes, Bangladesh showed resilience and managed to end the session trailing by just two runs. At lunchtime on Day 3, Bangladesh was at 201/6, and while they fought hard, the session ultimately belonged to South Africa.
Day 3 Session 2
As the second session commenced, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali forged a remarkable 100-run partnership, propelling Bangladesh to a lead in their second inning. Jaker Ali showcased his talent with some exquisite shots, particularly against the spinners, and marked his debut with a well-deserved half-century. His impressive innings came under pressure, helping Bangladesh avoid an innings defeat at home.
Ali's aggressive intent ultimately cost him his wicket, as Dane Piedt claimed the crucial breakthrough, ending their 138-run stand for the eighth wicket. The crowd applauded Ali’s outstanding performance, which also became the highest-ever Test partnership for Bangladesh against South Africa for any wicket.
Shortly after, heavy rain interrupted play, with Bangladesh holding a 65-run lead at that point.The rain prompted an extended tea break, and when the match resumed, the umpires extended play by 15 minutes. Nayeem Hasan joined Mehidy at the crease, scoring runs while Mehidy concentrated on defence. However, as light conditions worsened, the umpires tried to continue with artificial lighting, but they eventually called off the match due to poor visibility, followed by more rain.
At the end of Day 3, only 57 overs had been bowled. Bangladesh was leading by 81 runs, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz remaining unbeaten on 87 and Nayeem Hasan contributing valuable runs. The day featured a mix of dominance from both teams, but South Africa remains in a strong position as they chase the target. Day 4 is expected to start 15 minutes early to make up for lost overs.
