DHAKA, Oct 23, 2024 (BSS) - Mehidy Hasan Miraz defied a spirited South Africa to quell Bangladesh's fear of an innings defeat and raised a hope of setting a good target in the first cricket Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

An innings defeat loomed large when Bangladesh began the Day 3 and it was further reinforced after they lost three wickets in quick succession.
But Miraz's huge resistance not only injected life into the game but also helped Bangladesh take 81-run lead before the bad light forced early stumps on Day 3, which was also interrupted by a spell of shower.

Miraz, who was batting with guts and perseverance, was on 87 as Bangladesh reached 283-7. Nayeem Hasan was on 16 when the umpire finally called it a day after waiting 30 minutes for light to come out. 

Miraz shared a record 138-run with debutant Jaker Ali who made 58 to help weather the deficit of 202 runs.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 106 in the first innings and South Africa replied with 308, thanks to Kyle Verreynne's 114, all out. 

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada (4-35) and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (3-105) shared seven wickets to jolt Bangladesh but Miraz's resolve raised a hope to set a good target.

Rabada used the early moisture of the pitch expertly after Bangladesh resumed at 101-3. He pegged back the hosts with two wickets in three balls in just fourth over of the day.
 
Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy edged a delivery to first slip after being undone by the extra bounce for 40 off 92.

Mushfiqur Rahim who became the first Bangladesh batter to reach 6000 Test runs on Day 2, paid the price of lack of foot movement as Rabada's fuller length delivery skidded through to rattle the stump. 

Mushfiqur added just two runs to his overnight tally to be out on 33.
Maharaj successfully reviewed one to remove Liton Das after he scored 7 and South Africa sensed a chance to wrap up Bangladesh innings.
 
But Miraz and Jaker survived a probing spell of Rabada and Maharaj to set them in the crease.

Miraz hit Dane Piedt a six over his head to grow with confidence and then drove Maharaj to deep mid-off for a single to raise his ninth fifty from 94 balls.

Maharaj broke through, trapping Jaker leg-before to end 138-run partnership, which was Bangladesh's highest against South Africa in any wicket.

Jaker who hit seven fours, playing 11 balls, reviewed the decision in vain.

But Miraz was unfazed as continued to frustrate the South Africa, with ably support Nayeem Hasam. 

Miraz hit nine fours and one six in his unbeaten 87 off 171 before the badlight brought a premature end to the day.