CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh — On Thursday, Day 3 of the second and final cricket test, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada delivered an exceptional performance, picking up 5 wickets for 37 runs and leaving Bangladesh struggling at 137-8 by lunch.
Rabada’s impressive bowling display in the morning session saw Bangladesh tumble to a precarious 48-8. Despite the early collapse, Mominul Haque stepped up to provide a glimmer of hope for the team, leading them past the 100-run mark with some determined batting.
As the players headed into the first interval, Mominul had scored 74 runs, supported by Taijul Islam with 18, as they combined for a crucial ninth-wicket partnership of 89 runs. Despite this effort, Bangladesh still trailed South Africa by a daunting 438 runs and required an additional 339 runs to avoid the follow-on and force South Africa to bat again.
Earlier in the match, South Africa had declared their first innings at a commanding total of 575-6, with three players reaching their maiden test centuries.
Rabada made an immediate impact, striking in just the fourth over of the day when Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto edged a delivery to Verriynne, scoring only 9 runs. In the subsequent over, Dane Paterson dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck with a fuller delivery, marking a stark continuation of Rahim’s slump after his impressive 191 against Pakistan, as he had failed to register a half-century in his last nine innings.
The situation deteriorated for Bangladesh as Rabada quickly took two more wickets, claiming Mehidy Hasan and debutant Mahidul Islam within three deliveries. Mehidy was out for just 1 run after a careless push at a delivery outside off, while Mahidul failed to score after leaving a sharply nipped back delivery.
Despite the dire circumstances, Mominul displayed his batting class, demonstrating that the pitch remained conducive for runs. He struck 8 fours and 1 six off 97 balls, showing resilience and skill in a challenging situation.
In the first test, Bangladesh suffered a defeat by seven wickets.