Mehidy Hasan Miraz turned out to be a savior for Bangladesh in the ongoing first Test against South Africa at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The right-hander is just 13 runs away from his second Test hundred as the hosts finished day three with a lead of 81 runs against the Proteas. With just three wickets in hand and Miraz still at the crease, Bangladesh will look to add a few more runs, and give a competitive target to South Africa.
After bowling Bangladesh out for 106 runs, South Africa posted 308 runs in the first innings after Kyle Verreynne top-scored with 114 runs off 144 balls. With a big lead of 202 runs in the first innings, South Africa struck early in the second innings as Bangladesh lost two wickets for four runs. After that, Mahmud Hasan Joy (40 off 92) and skipper Najmul Hossiain Shanto (23 off 49) added 55 runs for the third wicket.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali shine for Bangladesh; Kagiso Rabada scalps four wickets
Following a vital partnership between Mahmud Hasan Joy and Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh lost momentum again as they were reduced to 112/6. After that, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali took the charge of the innings on day three as the duo added 138 runs for the seventh wicket. Jaker got out after scoring 58 runs off 111 balls, an innings which included seven boundaries. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz is still at the crease ahead of day four for Bangladesh.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is currently unbeaten on 87 runs off 171 balls with nine fours and a six. The right-hander will be looking to score 13 runs to complete his century tomorrow apart from trying to extend the Bangladesh lead further. For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada is also nearing a five-wicket haul as the fast bowler has taken four wickets by the end of day three, while Keshav Maharaj scalped three wickets. Bangladesh will resume the play on day four from the overnight total of 283/7, with lead of 81 runs.
