Day 3 – Session 1: Bangladesh trail by 438 runs.
Current RR: 3.70
• Min. Ov. Rem: 62
• Last 10 ov (RR): 46/0 (4.60)
Threat of a big deficit looms for Bangladesh despite Mominul, Taijul’s unbeaten 89-run stand
Kagiso Rabada claimed his second five-for of the series • AFP/Getty Images
Mominul Haque‘s 20th Test fifty and an 89-run ninth-wicket stand with Taijul Islam kept South Africa at bay after they burst through Bangladesh’s line-up early on the third morning. Bangladesh teetered on 48 for 8 in the first half hour of play as Kagiso Rabada, back to No.1 on the Test bowling rankings, claimed a second series five-for.
Rabada’s average of 7.78 so far is the best, among all South Africans, in a series in which a bowler has taken a minimum of ten wickets. Rabada currently has 14 wickets across the two matches.
His efficacy remains unmatched and the only other bowler to take a wicket in the session was Dane Paterson. Mushfiqur Rahim gifted a catch to Tony de Zorzi at square leg to depart for a second-ball duck, in the middle of a major collapse. Mushfiqur was the second of four batters dismissed in the space of 12 balls as Bangladesh’s wickets fell in fast-forward.
Things started sedately and it took 23 balls before South Africa made the first incision. Rabada had Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in two minds with a ball that spat up off the surface. He was unsure whether to drive or block and got an edge through to Kyle Verreynne. Four balls later, Mushfiqur Rahim was dismissed. And in the over after that, Rabada took two wickets in three balls: first Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who followed a ball that moved away and was caught behind, and then when debutant Mahidul Islam shouldered arms to a delivery that struck him on the knee roll. That gave Rabada his second five-for in as many Tests, and second in the subcontinent.
South Africa introduced the spin of Keshav Maharaj six overs into the morning and Mominul took the fight to him. He took ten runs off two deliveries to take Bangladesh over 50 and avoid being dismissed for one of their three lowest totals in Test cricket. When Rabada was taken off, an over later, Bangladesh could relax a touch even though South Africa appealed for almost anything.
More to follow
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s correspondent for South Africa and women’s cricket
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