Bangladesh 1st Test Day 3 Complete 2nd Inning 283 Runs Against SA. Bangladesh vs South Africa has always promised thrilling cricket, and the first Test of the South Africa tour of Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, is no exception. As the third day progressed, it became clear that this match was finely poised, with Bangladesh showing immense resilience in their second innings, setting up a lead that has kept the contest alive. Both teams are fighting for dominance in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship, and every run, every wicket has carried significant weight in this Test.
The Start: South Africa Takes Early Control
The opening two days saw South Africa take control with a strong first innings performance, piling up 308 runs and gaining a healthy 202-run lead. The charge was led by Kyle Verreynne, who registered a brilliant century, and Wiaan Mulder, who contributed a crucial half-century before falling soon after. Bangladesh, in response, struggled in their first innings, folding for a mere 106 runs. Kagiso Rabada was the star with the ball for the visitors, tearing through the top order and finishing with four wickets.
Bangladesh Second Innings Fightback
By the end of Day 2, Bangladesh found themselves in a precarious position at 101/3, still trailing South Africa by 101 runs. However, as Day 3 unfolded, it became clear that Bangladesh was not going down without a fight. Their batsmen showed more resilience, and the innings took a dramatic turn thanks to the efforts of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali, who combined for a pivotal seventh-wicket partnership.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz played one of the finest innings of his Test career, scoring a determined 87 not out off 171 balls, decorated with nine boundaries and one six. His partnership with Jaker Ali, who contributed a gritty 58 from 111 deliveries, helped Bangladesh claw their way back into the match.
At the close of play on Day 3, Bangladesh was at 283/7, leading South Africa by 81 runs. While it was far from a commanding lead, it was enough to keep them in the game, setting the stage for an exciting finish in the coming days.
Key Moments of Day 3
Kagiso Rabada continued his outstanding form from the first innings, ripping through the top order once again. He dismissed Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, and Mushfiqur Rahim, finishing Day 3 with impressive figures of 4/35 from his 15 overs. His pace and reverse swing made life difficult for the Bangladeshi batsmen, and his breakthrough moments ensured that South Africa remained in the hunt.
The spin of Keshav Maharaj was also crucial on a pitch that had started offering turn. He took the key wickets of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, and Jaker Ali, finishing with figures of 3/105 from 37 overs. Maharaj’s spell was notable for its control, as he tied down the Bangladesh batsmen and created pressure, allowing Rabada to strike from the other end.
Bangladesh Lower-Order Resilience
Bangladesh’s innings could have crumbled much earlier if not for the lower-order fightback led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali. Coming in at 112/6, the pair added a valuable 138 runs for the seventh wicket. It was a combination of disciplined defense and timely counter-attacks that frustrated the South African bowlers. Mehidy played an anchoring role, while Jaker mixed caution with aggression, playing some delightful strokes through the off-side.
Their partnership defied South Africa’s bowling attack for more than 45 overs, with Mehidy bringing up his half-century off 94 balls, including some exquisite cover drives. Jaker Ali followed suit, reaching his fifty in 102 balls. The pair’s determination lifted Bangladesh from a position of peril to one of relative safety by the end of the third session.
The State of Play: How the Teams Stand
By the end of Day 3, the match hangs in the balance. Bangladesh, with a lead of 81 runs and three wickets in hand, will aim to extend their advantage on Day 4. However, the pitch has been showing signs of variable bounce, and South Africa’s bowlers will be eager to wrap up the innings quickly.
The key for South Africa will be to dismiss Mehidy Hasan early on Day 4 and chase down a manageable target. The Proteas, under the leadership of Aiden Markram, have the batting depth to chase a target under 200, but anything above that could prove challenging, especially with the pitch deteriorating.
Day 3 – Key Stats
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | 87* (171 balls, 9 fours, 1 six) |
| Jaker Ali | 58 (111 balls, 7 fours) |
| Kagiso Rabada (SA) | 15-4-35-4 |
| Keshav Maharaj (SA) | 37-10-105-3 |
| Bangladesh 2nd Innings | 283/7 (lead by 81 runs) |
| Day 3 – Session 3 | Bangladesh leads by 81 runs |
Bowling Analysis – South Africa
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kagiso Rabada | 15 | 4 | 35 | 4 | 2.33 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 11 | 3 | 28 | 0 | 2.54 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 37 | 10 | 105 | 3 | 2.83 |
| Dane Piedt | 19 | 0 | 95 | 0 | 5.00 |
| Aiden Markram | 3 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2.33 |
Fall of Wickets – Bangladesh 2nd Innings
1-4 (Shadman Islam, 2.1 ov), 2-4 (Mominul Haque, 2.4 ov), 3-59 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 18.5 ov), 4-105 (Mahmudul Hasan Joy, 31.1 ov), 5-106 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 31.3 ov), 6-112 (Litton Das, 34.5 ov), 7-250 (Jaker Ali, 75.1 ov)
What Next?
Going into Day 4, all eyes will be on Mehidy Hasan and Nayeem Hasan, who remain at the crease for Bangladesh. The hosts will want to push their lead past the 150-run mark, which could give their spinners something to work with on a pitch that is expected to offer more turn and uneven bounce as the game progresses.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be looking to their spearhead Kagiso Rabada to clean up the tail quickly and give their batsmen a relatively easy target to chase down. However, batting last on this pitch could be a daunting task, and Bangladesh’s spinners, particularly Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan, will be eager to exploit the conditions.
The first hour of Day 4 will be crucial, as it could determine whether Bangladesh can build a challenging lead or if South Africa can wrest control back by dismissing the remaining Bangladeshi batsmen swiftly.
Conclusion
As Day 3 concluded, the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa is set for a gripping finish. Bangladesh’s lower order has shown great resilience, ensuring that they have a fighting chance in this game. South Africa, despite being ahead on paper, will need to bat well in the fourth innings to seal victory.
