Sabbir Hossain :
Bangladesh scored 179 for the loss of four wickets in the first innings against South Africa before the rain disrupted the hosts’ innings at the third session of the second day play at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Wednesday.
Earlier, the touring South Africa were dismissed for 248 in their first innings on the first day (Tuesday).
Later, Bangladesh scored seven for the loss of none before the bails were drawn for the first day.
Openers Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes resumed their first innings with the overnight score of one and five respectively. They built a solid partnership in the opening stand adding 46 runs before Kayes (24) was stumped out by Quinton de Kock off Stiaan van Zyl.
After dismissal of Imrul, prolific Mominul Haque came at the crease but his innings was short-lived as he was bowled by Simon Harmer for just six runs when Bangladesh’s score was 55 for the loss of two wickets.
Then Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyad salvaged their team from debacle contributing together 89 runs for the third wicket partnership before Tamim Iqbal was bowled by Dean Elgar when the Tigers’ total was 144 for the loss of three wickets.
Dashing opener Tamim Iqbal notched up a marvellous 57 from 129 balls featuring three fours. It was Tamim’s 18th Test half century. Iqbal reached his fifty-run landmark playing 119 balls.
Mahmudullah Riyad was the other batsman of Bangladesh who shone with the willow making the day’s highest of 67. He hit 10 shots through the ropes in his 138-ball knock before he was trapped leg before wicket by Vernon Philander when Bangladesh’s score was 178 for the loss of four wickets. Mahmudullah Riyad fulfilled his 12th Test half century using 109 balls.
When Bangladesh’s score was 178 for the loss of four wickets in 66.5 overs, it started to rain and the play was stopped.
Later, the rain stopped but only one delivery was thrown and Bangladesh added one run to their total. The rain halted the play again and then the rest of the day of the match was not held due to rain.
Mushfiqur Rahim was on 16 and Shakib Al Hasan was on one at the close of the second day play.
Dean Elgar, Stiaan van Zyl, Vernon Philander and Simon Harmer took one wicket each for 6, 13, 22 and 59 runs respectively.
