Bangladesh have made their way to 179 for four against South Africa on day 2 of the first Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong
Bangladesh have made their way to 179 for four against South Africa on day 2 of the first Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong. Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah have scored their half-century before rain interrupted the day’s play. Bangladesh still trail by 69 runs with six wickets remaining.
On day 1 of the Chittagong Test, South Africa were bowled out for mere 248 runs. The pitch was low and slow on day 1 and it was supposed to be get better on day 2. But the pitch turned out to be much slowed than it was anticipated. The batsmen should have knuckle down and get struck in but neither team has managed to do that.
When Bangladesh started their inning from 7 without loss, Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes safely navigated the first hour of the day’s play. Imrul Kayes was the first men to be dismissed for 26, when he was stumped down the leg side off medium pacer Stiaan val Zyl. Mominul Haque couldn’t able to play as per his reputation as he dragged the ball on to his off-stump in attempting a cut-shot off Simon Harmer for six. Bangladesh went to lunch on 80 for 2 wickets.
When play resumed after lunch break, Tamim and Mahmudullah reached their fifty of 119 and 109 balls respectively. The 89-run partnership between Tamim and Mahmudullah was broken when Tamim tried to sweep Dean Elgar but missed and the ball hit the leg stump for 59. Most of the wickets fall on the delivery which doesn’t deserve wicket. South Africa have not bowled bad, they have bowled well but their good ball hasn’t produced any wicket. Bangladesh’s batsmen were guilty of playing too many rash shots and paying their price. Vernon Philander, one of the South Africa’s main three-seamers finally took wicket in 67 over of the inning when he trapped Mahmudullah leg before wicket for 67 runs. Just four balls later, heavy rain began and the game was stopped. Although, players were able to return but only one ball was bowled and the play was abandoned for day 2.
