400 runs are possible if you bat in three sessions: Hasan Mahmud

After just two days of play, the outcome of the Dhaka Test is casting a shadow over Bangladesh. However, pace bowler Hasan Mahmud remains optimistic, banking on the partnership between Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim to keep hopes alive. The fate of Bangladesh's match now rests heavily on these two batsmen.

In a press conference following the day's play, Hasan Mahmud was asked if Bangladesh still dreams of winning the match and what target they need to set for South Africa to achieve that. With a deficit of 101 runs at the end of the second day, he stated that if Bangladesh could throw a target of around 200 runs to South Africa, they would have a chance to win. This would mean Bangladesh would need to score over 400 runs.

"I believe that if we can set a target of over 200 runs, we can win the match. If we bat well over three sessions, reaching close to 400 runs is possible," he said.

Despite being 202 runs behind, Bangladesh had a dismal start to their innings. Opener Saadman Islam managed only 1 run, while Mominul Haque, coming in at three, was dismissed for a duck. Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto also failed to build on his innings. However, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship, taking Bangladesh past the 100-run mark.

As with the previous day, play was called off early again due to poor lighting conditions. At the close of play, Bangladesh had scored 101 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 27.1 overs, still trailing by another 101 runs with 7 wickets remaining.