Mirpur, Oct 21 (V7N) – After a dismal batting performance, it seemed Bangladesh would be overwhelmed by South Africa’s response. However, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam’s brilliant bowling temporarily eased those fears by dismantling South Africa’s top and middle order, keeping Bangladesh in the contest. By the end of the day, South Africa managed to take a 140-run lead, finishing at 174/6, with five wickets falling to Taijul.

Bangladesh, having won the toss and elected to bat first, struggled to get going and were bundled out for just 106 in 40 overs. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s score of 106 was the only notable contribution, with opener Mahmudul Hasan scoring the highest individual score of 30 for the team.

In reply, South Africa lost their captain, Aiden Markram, in the very first over when Hasan Mahmud clean-bowled him. Tony De Giorgi and Tristan Stubbs steadied the innings briefly with a 49-run partnership, but Taijul Islam broke through by dismissing Stubbs (23), caught by Sadman Islam. From there, Taijul went on to wreak havoc, taking the wickets of Tony De Giorgi, David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, and Matthew Britzke to complete a five-wicket haul.

At stumps, South African wicketkeepers Kyle Verreynne and Vian Mulder remained unbeaten, with their team leading by 140 runs and 34 runs ahead of Bangladesh's total.

For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud took one wicket while Taijul's impressive performance yielded five wickets, providing the team a glimmer of hope despite their earlier batting collapse.

The match remains finely poised, with Taijul’s exceptional bowling effort giving Bangladesh a fighting chance as they look to restrict South Africa’s lead on the second day.

END/RH/AJ