Kagiso Rabada’s exceptional performance, claiming 5 wickets for 37 runs, put Bangladesh in a precarious position at lunchtime on Day 3 of the Test series, with the team at 137 for 8. Despite Mominul Haque’s resilient knock of 74, Bangladesh faced a daunting challenge to avoid a follow-on after South Africa set a first innings total of 575.
In a compelling display of fast bowling, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada secured an impressive 5 wickets for 37 runs, substantially jeopardizing Bangladesh’s position on the third day of the second and final cricket Test match in Chattogram. Under significant pressure, Bangladesh found themselves at a precarious score of 137 for 8 at lunch. Rabada’s sensational performance left the hosts reeling after they had slumped to 48 for 8 at one stage in the morning session. Only Mominul Haque showed resilience against the South African assault, accumulating 74 runs, while Taijul Islam contributed 18 runs, forming a crucial partnership that yielded 89 runs for the ninth wicket. Despite this effort, Bangladesh remained 438 runs in deficit, needing an additional 339 runs to avoid the follow-on and induce South Africa to bat again. In their first innings, South Africa had declared at 575 for 6, with three batsmen achieving maiden Test centuries. Rabada initiated his early destruction in the fourth over, dismissing captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 9 runs and, shortly after, Dane Paterson sent Mushfiqur Rahim back to the pavilion without scoring, marking Rahim’s ninth innings without a half-century following an illustrious 191 against Pakistan. Rabada continued his formidable form, quickly securing two more wickets in his subsequent over, accounting for Mehidy Hasan and debutant Mahidul Islam, leaving Bangladesh in a dire situation. Nonetheless, Mominul’s aggressive batting, featuring eight fours and a six off 97 deliveries, illuminated moments of promise amidst the turmoil as Bangladesh sought to put a respectable score on the board after suffering a seven-wicket defeat in the first Test.
The match between South Africa and Bangladesh represents a key encounter in the cricketing calendar, particularly as it involves the concluding Test of a bilateral series. South Africa, having declared their first innings at a staggering 575 runs, has established a commanding lead going into the day. Bangladesh, on the other hand, is struggling to cope with the intensity and skill displayed by South Africa’s bowlers, particularly that of Kagiso Rabada, making the context of this match pivotal for both teams, notably for Bangladesh’s hopes of avoiding a disappointing series loss.
In summary, Kagiso Rabada’s formidable bowling dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup, leaving them in a critical position at 137 for 8 at lunch on Day 3. With the match’s momentum squarely in South Africa’s favor, the question remains whether Bangladesh can muster a strong enough performance to avert a follow-on and salvage pride in the series. Meanwhile, Rabada’s standout performance underscores his reputation as one of the premier fast bowlers in the game today.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
