Keshav Maharaj (2-7) and Simon Harmer (1-4) gave the Proteas the perfect start to their defence of 274 as Bangladesh ended Day 4 of the 1st Test on 11/3.
The Proteas started the day in complete control.
ALSO READ: SA confidently push ahead early on Day 4
By lunch, an unbroken 57-run stand between skipper Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen highlighted what was a very fruitful start to their second innings.
By Tea South Africa lost Elgar, Petersen, Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne as they were contained on 157/5 in 61.0 overs ( Rickelton 18, Mulder 6). Bangladesh showed an incredible fighting spirit to continue to take wickets.
Still, in relative control, the Proteas made silly decisions with the bat and poor running between the wickets. Wiaan Mulder was the first to fall after Tea. He looked shaky during his 11 off 42 balls, but couldn’t hold out with Rickelton who looked more comfortable at the crease. All he needed was a partner to support his natural attacking style of play.
Maharaj attempted to play with more aggression and it was his downfall as he lost his wicket lbw courtesy of Taskin Ahmed who turned the game in his side’s favour when he trapped Elgar for 64 after lunch earlier in the day and continued his classy effort on this tour.
Two run-outs – Harmer and Lizaad Williams – were completely unnecessary as the Proteas crumbled leaving Rickelton stranded on 39 not out.
Having bowled SA out for 204, the hosts were in need of a clinical start to give themselves hope to go into the final day.
The spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer gave the Proteas exactly what they needed. Shadman Islam was dismissed by Harmer and the century hero from the Tigers’ first innings Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed by an incredible Maharaj delivery that spun through the gap between bat and pad.
Bangladesh ended the day on 11-3. The extra half an hour was not taken due to bad light.
