Dean Elgar’s 22nd half-century was essential to South Africa’s solid start in the first session as they posted 107-1 against Bangladesh by lunch on Day 1 of the 2nd Test.

The Proteas chose to bat first on a wicket that had enough grass on it for the seamers, the slight gloominess at the ground also aiding swing with the new ball.

A good start was key to the Proteas taking control of the session. Dean Elgar and Sarel Erwee contributed with 52 as a pair before Erwee (24) was tempted by the length of an away-swinging delivery that he thought was at a drivable length.

It proved to be a poor choice of stroke as he edged Khaled Ahmed to the keeper. This was the first and only wicket to fall in the first session.

Dean Elgar led from the front and picked up from the 1st Test which saw him hit two half-centuries. He added a third in this series, at a satisfying rate, especially for someone who tends to grind and take his time at the crease.

Elgar hit 7 fours to bring up his 50 in 66 balls, causing problems for the opposition bowlers. This was his 22nd Test half-century for the Proteas.

He continued his authority after picking up his milestone. In fact, one of his best shots was a controlled ground pull shot, followed by a delicate cut off the bowling of Khaled for consecutive fours in the 24th over.

Keegan Petersen supported his skipper well at the other end, his pull shot for four off Khaled on the 1st ball of the 26th over bringing up the 100-run mark. He brought up the second 50-run partnership of the innings with a squarish drive.

Petersen contributed 24* off 48 balls while Elgar posted 59* off 80 balls.

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