Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a remarkable knock, scoring an unbeaten 77 as Bangladesh managed to gain an 81-run lead over South Africa at the close of Day 3 of the first Test in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Mehidy’s gritty innings, combined with debutant Jaker Ali’s 58, rescued Bangladesh from what seemed like an inevitable innings defeat. Resuming at 101-3, the hosts found themselves in trouble after early morning wickets, but the 138-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Mehidy and Jaker helped Bangladesh regain their footing. The partnership defied South Africa’s dominant bowling attack, offering a chance for Bangladesh to fight back in the match.

Kagiso Rabada’s morning burst shakes Bangladesh

In the early session, South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada utilized the overcast conditions to wreak havoc on the Bangladeshi batting lineup. In a deadly fifth over, Rabada removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who had made 40, and followed up two balls later by clean-bowling Mushfiqur Rahim for 33. The sight of Mushfiqur’s middle stump flying out of the ground reflected Rabada’s precision. With Bangladesh reeling at 112/6, the pressure mounted on their middle and lower order, but Mehidy’s resilience helped them fight back. Rabada’s four-wicket haul in the innings was crucial in keeping South Africa in contention.

Also WATCH: Kagiso Rabada bowls an absolute peach of a delivery to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim on Day 3 of the first Test

Jaker Ali and Mehidy Hasan’s Miraz partnership rescues Bangladesh

Jaker, on his Test debut, provided Bangladesh with much-needed stability, scoring 58 runs and contributing to a significant partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The duo’s 138-run stand for the seventh wicket not only saved Bangladesh from an innings defeat but also gave them a slender lead over South Africa. Jaker, who looked comfortable against the Proteas’ spin and pace attack, eventually fell to Keshav Maharaj, but by then, Bangladesh had wiped out the deficit.

9️⃣th Test fifty for Mehidy Hasan Miraz 🏏👊#cricket #BANvSA #MehidyHasanMiraz #Bangladesh #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/cgPo4204BP

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 23, 2024

Rain disrupts play on Day 3

As Bangladesh aimed to build on their momentum, rain interrupted play in the late afternoon, halting the innings at 267/7. The covers were brought on, and early tea was taken, with Mehidy batting on 77 alongside Nayeem Hasan on 12. The rain delay not only stopped the game but also raised concerns about potential interruptions for the remaining days of the Test. However, Bangladesh ended Day 3 on a positive note, leading by 81 runs as they looked to consolidate their position when play resumes. The hosts now have a slim chance to push for a competitive total as they head into the fourth day, thanks largely to the valiant efforts of Mehidy and Jaker.

Dutch-Bangla Bank Bangladesh 🆚 South Africa Test Series 2024

Stumps | Day 03 | Bangladesh lead by 81 runs.#BCB #Cricket #BANvSA #WTC25 #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/Gik9IBAVM5

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) October 23, 2024

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