Brief Scorecard at Stumps Day 3
Bangladesh 1st Innings: All out 106 in 40.1 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 30, Taijul Islam 16, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 13, Mushfiqur Rahim 11; Wiaan Mulder 3/22, Kagiso Rabada 3/26, Keshav Maharaj 3/34)
Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 283/7 in 80 overs (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 87*, Jaker Ali Anik 58, Mahmudul Hasan Joy 40, Mushfiqur Rahim 33, Nazmul Hossain Shanto 23; Kagiso Rabada 4/35, Keshav Maharaj 3/105)
South Africa 1st Innings: 308 all out in 88.4 overs (Kyle Verreynne 114, Wiaan Mulder 54, Dane Piedt 32, Tony de Zorzi 30, Ryan Rickelton 27, Tristan Stubbs 23; Taijul Islam 5/122, Hasan Mahmud 3/66, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2/63)
Bangladesh led by 82 runs with 3 wickets in hand.
It is still a distant dream, but the brave fightback by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jakir Ali Anik from a desperate situation of 112/6 in the second innings, with the possibility of a humiliating innings defeat looming, has brought Bangladesh back into contention.
When bad light stopped play on Day Three, Bangladesh was at 283/7, leading South Africa by 82 runs. Jaker Anik was dismissed for 58, while Mehidy Miraz is unbeaten on 87. If Bangladesh can extend their lead to 180-190, anything can happen in the Test. Batting against three quality Bangladesh spinners on a wearing wicket on Day Four will not be easy for South Africa.
Bangladesh started Day Three at 101/3, still trailing by 101 runs, needing to avoid an innings defeat. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim were expected to resist the Proteas' attack, but both, along with Litton K Das, were dismissed in quick succession. With Bangladesh losing three quick wickets, they were staring down the barrel. Mehidy Miraz, a man for crises in recent times, paired with debutant Zakir Ali Anik to fight back with their backs to the wall. Their 117-run partnership for the seventh wicket not only wiped off the deficit but also pushed Bangladesh ahead. After Anik was dismissed for 58, Naeem Hasan joined Miraz, and the two kept the fight going.
When bad light stopped play, Bangladesh was 283/7, 86 runs ahead. Miraz remained steady at 87, and Naeem was on 16. From a seemingly hopeless position, Bangladesh can now dream of pulling off something remarkable if they can extend the lead to 175-180. Test cricket often produces surprises, and South Africa’s young side may struggle against Bangladesh’s quality spin attack on a wearing wicket if asked to chase anything above 150.
No praise is enough for the flamboyant Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Batting at number 7 or 8, he has been regularly producing quality innings with the bat, in addition to his brilliance with the ball. In the absence of the redoubtable Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy is emerging as the Tigers’ leading all-rounder. It may be time to consider promoting him in the batting order.
BDST: 1140 HRS, OCT 24, 2024
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