Oct 23, V7N- Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a crucial knock to save Bangladesh from the threat of an innings defeat on Day 3 of the first Test against South Africa at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. At lunch, Bangladesh reached 201-6, with Miraz unbeaten on 55 and debutant Jaker Ali Anik supporting him with 30 not out. The hosts have reduced their deficit to just one run after starting the day facing a daunting 202-run lead.

Bangladesh struggled early in their second innings, with South African pacer Kagiso Rabada and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj wreaking havoc. Rabada, who finished with 4-35, claimed two quick wickets in the morning session, leaving Bangladesh teetering at 112-6 and in danger of an innings loss.

Rabada's early strikes saw the dismissal of opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 40 after he was undone by extra bounce, and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, who became the first Bangladeshi to score 6,000 Test runs, was bowled for 33 by a fuller delivery.

Maharaj also chipped in by dismissing Liton Das for 7, using a successful review. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali Anik showed great composure, adding 89 runs for the unbeaten seventh wicket. Miraz's confident fifty, his ninth in Test cricket, came off 94 balls, and his partnership with Jaker helped Bangladesh push the match forward.

Bangladesh will be hoping that this pair can continue to resist South Africa's attack in the second session, aiming to take the lead and avoid an innings defeat.

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