Bangladesh ended the day at 101-3, needing another 101 runs to avoid an innings defeat against South Africa in the first Test. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten, with Mushfiqur achieving 6,000 Test runs. South Africa secured a 202-run lead after finishing their first innings at 308, with key contributions from Kyle Verreynne.
In the first Test against South Africa, Bangladesh faced a daunting challenge as they ended the day at 101-3, requiring an additional 101 runs to avoid an innings defeat. At the close of play, Mahmudul Hasan Joy (38) and Mushfiqur Rahim (31) remained unbeaten, having contributed a crucial 42-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which enabled Mushfiqur to become the first Bangladeshi batsman to surpass 6,000 career Test runs. Bangladesh’s batting woes began early, with the quick pace of Kagiso Rabada claiming two early wickets. Shadman Islam was dismissed for just one run, caught at short leg in the third over, followed by Mominul Haque, who fell for a duck, edged to Wiaan Mulder at third slip. This left Bangladesh struggling at 19-2 before the tea break. The situation worsened when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was trapped lbw by Keshav Maharaj for a laborious 23 runs from 49 balls. As the day drew to a close, Bangladesh narrowly escaped losing another wicket when Mahmudul Hasan attempted a reckless shot but narrowly avoided a stumping. Earlier in the day, the South African innings concluded at 308, primarily propelled by Kyle Verreynne’s impressive century. He recorded a partnership of 119 runs for the seventh wicket with Wiaan Mulder, who scored 54. The Bangladeshi bowlers saw some success; Hasan Mahmud claimed two wickets in quick succession during a single over, recording figures of 3-66, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed with 2-63. The day featured notable achievements, as Rabada became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets and Taijul Islam joined the ranks of bowlers with 200 Test wickets. Historically, Bangladesh has struggled against South Africa, having never secured a Test victory against them, and they are poised to face the second Test of the two-match series beginning on October 29 in Chattogram.
The ongoing Test series between Bangladesh and South Africa represents a continued battle for the Bangladeshi cricket team to improve their standing in international cricket. Historically, their record against South Africa has been poor, with no victories in Test matches. The second of this two-match series is of significant importance as Bangladesh seeks to gain some form of respect and competitiveness on their home ground. Players such as Mushfiqur Rahim are key figures for the team, not only due to their past accomplishments but also for their ability to lead and garner success against formidable opponents like South Africa. This context underlines the importance of the current match as it offers Bangladesh an opportunity for redemption.
The day concluded with the Bangladeshi team at 101-3, facing a monumental task of needing another 101 runs to avert defeat by innings against South Africa. With key players such as Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim at the crease, Bangladesh remains in the fight, albeit precariously. The performance of both teams, particularly the outstanding efforts by South African bowlers such as Rabada, highlights the challenges that Bangladesh Cricket faces against a historically dominant opponent.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
