Bangladesh are looking at a heavy defeat as the Tigers lost three top-order batters after being brought to bat in their second innings late on Day 3 in their series-deciding second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha today.
Bangladesh, in chase of a mammoth 413-run target, lost openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tamim Iqbal and Najmul Hossain Shanto and were reduced to 27 for three at the close of play. Bangladesh require 386 runs more with seven wickets in hand.
South Africa opened with spinners from both ends and their ploy came off as left-armer Keshav Maharaj removed both Joy (0 off 1) and Shanto (7 off 10) early in the innings before off-spinner Simon Harmer had Tamim caught at slip just before Stumps.
With South Africa spinners Maharaj and Simon Harmer getting massive turns off a three-day-old Gqeberha surface, it will be a matter of survival for the Bangladesh batters tomorrow. The experienced pair of Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque remain unbeaten but it will take a humongous effort from the Tigers if they are to even save face in the Test.
Earlier, South Africa bundled out Bangladesh for just 217 before deciding to bat in the second innings instead of enforcing a follow-on. The Proteas went on to score 176 for six before declaring, setting a daunting target.
SA declare late on Day 3 to set mammoth target
South Africa declared late on the third day of their series-deciding second Test against Bangladesh as they set a mammoth total for the Tigers to chase in Gqeberha. The Proteas scored 176 for six before declaring, setting a target of 413 runs, in the final hour of the day's play today.
The declaration came right after Mehedi Hasan Miraz knocked the stumps of Wiaan Mulder.
Taijul Islam has been the standout performer for Bangladesh, scalping three wickets in the second innings to finish with a match haul of nine for 202 in 65 overs. He had the chance of being the first Bangladeshi bowler to have bagged a 10-wicket haul in overseas Test but had to settle with being only the third Bangladeshi bowler -- after Mehedi Hasan Miraz (against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2021) and Robiul Islam (against Zimbabwe in Harae in 2013) -- to bag a nine-wicket haul in away Tests.
South Africa, who decided to bat instead of enforcing a follow-on after bundling Bangladesh out for 217 in their first innings earlier on the day, scored at a brisk pace since coming on. Their openers set the tone with a rapid 60-run stand.
Sarel Erwee top-scored for the hosts with a 66 for 41. Bangladesh's Taijul Islam celebrates taking the wicket of South Africa batter Keegan Petersen. Photo: AFP
Taijul takes two but SA race away
Taijul Islam accounted for two South Africa batters but the hosts have extended their lead past the 300-run mark on the third day of their series-deciding Test in Gqeberha today. South Africa scored 84 for the loss of two wickets, leading by 320 runs, in their second innings before players headed for Tea.
After deciding to bat instead of enforcing a follow-on, South Africa openers got off to a blistering start. The quick-fire 60-run opening stand between Sarel Erwee and South Africa skipper Dean Elgar ended only when the latter lost his stumps trying to play a reverse sweep off a Taijul delivery.
Taijul ended another growing stand, between Erwee and Keegan Petersen, just at the stroke of Tea. The left-arm spinner set up Petersen for an LBW as he had a delivery go in with the arm just after turning one sharply away from the right-hander. The ball snuck through the gap and struck the batter on his back leg.
