Dhaka, Oct 23, V7N-On Day 3 of the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, play was halted due to rain, with Bangladesh having taken a 65-run lead. Mehidy Hasan Miraz's brilliant unbeaten 77 helped the hosts reach 267-7, recovering from a precarious position. Nayeem Hasan was at the crease alongside Miraz on 12 when the rain interrupted play.

Bangladesh had been bowled out for 106 in their first innings, conceding a 202-run lead after South Africa posted 308 in response. Kagiso Rabada (4-35) and Keshav Maharaj (3-98) were instrumental in South Africa's dominance, but Miraz's stubborn resistance, combined with debutant Jaker Ali Anik's composed 58, helped Bangladesh avoid an innings defeat.

Rabada and Maharaj made early breakthroughs in the morning session, reducing Bangladesh to 112-6 and threatening to force an innings defeat. Rabada claimed the key wickets of Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 40 and Mushfiqur Rahim for 33, while Maharaj removed Liton Das for 7 after a successful review.

However, the 138-run seventh-wicket partnership between Miraz and Jaker shifted the momentum in Bangladesh's favor. Miraz struck a six off Dane Piedt to build his confidence, raising his ninth Test fifty off 94 balls. Jaker's solid knock, featuring seven boundaries, came to an end when Maharaj trapped him leg-before, but not before Bangladesh had erased the deficit and taken a slim lead.

As the rain halted proceedings, Bangladesh's hopes of setting a challenging target for South Africa remain alive, with Miraz continuing his impressive innings.

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