South Africa Extends Lead Against Bangladesh in First Test

In response to Bangladesh's first innings total of 106, South Africa concluded the first day at 140 for six. On the second day, the Proteas continued to dominate, bolstered by two wickets from Hasan Mahmud despite three dropped catches by the Bangladesh side. This provided a glimmer of hope for Bangladesh, but Kyle Verreynne was charging toward his century, further increasing the team's lead.

Bangladesh aimed to bowl out South Africa quickly to limit their lead. Before the lunch break, the visiting team had scored 243 runs for the loss of eight wickets, holding a lead of 137 runs with two wickets still in hand. Kyle Verreynne remained unbeaten at 77, while his partner Dan Piedt contributed 6 runs.

Despite the festive atmosphere in Mirpur, Bangladesh struggled in the first hour, failing to take a wicket after Mominul Haque dropped a catch. Having restricted Bangladesh to 106 runs on the first day, South Africa batted comfortably, finishing the previous day with 140 runs from 41 overs.

In the morning session, Bangladesh's bowlers found it challenging to create opportunities. However, at 47 runs, Mulder managed to survive after a catch at short leg was dropped by Mominul. Mulder later capitalized on this chance to secure his first half-century.

Hasan Mahmud is on a hat-trick#BANvSA #SAvBAN pic.twitter.com/YLtLT6Rhbk

— Cricket97 (@cricket97bd) October 22, 2024

Bangladesh finally got a crucial breakthrough in the 65th over, with Hasan Mahmud dismissing Mulder for 54 runs, caught by Shadman Islam. He followed this up by taking Keshav Maharaj's wicket with the next ball, though he missed out on a hat-trick. Nevertheless, Mahmud provided Bangladesh with much-needed relief in the morning session.