Mirpur, Oct 24 (V7N) – Bangladesh's hopes for a strong start on the fourth day of the Mirpur Test were dashed after a swift collapse, as they lost their remaining three wickets in just 4 overs and 5 balls, adding only 24 runs to their overnight score. The team was bowled out for 307, setting South Africa a modest target of 106 runs for victory.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who resumed the day at 87, fell agonizingly short of a century. He added just 10 runs to his tally before being dismissed for 97. Kagiso Rabada, the spearhead of South Africa's pace attack, took the key wickets to finish with an impressive performance.

Naim Sheikh was the first to go on the third ball of the day, stumped by Rabada, followed by Taijul Islam. Miraz, in a bid to accelerate, attempted to play a risky shot off a short off-length delivery by Rabada but was caught in the slip, ending his fine innings and with it Bangladesh’s fightback.

The South African team now faces a simple chase of 106 runs to win the match and the series, with Rabada's bowling performance once again proving decisive in halting Bangladesh's hopes of a larger lead.

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion, as Bangladesh will be hoping for an early breakthrough to put pressure on the South African batsmen.

END/MSS/AJ