Bangladesh battle to prevent an innings defeat after a stunning century from South Africa’s Kyle Verrein

Bangladesh were battling to salvage the first Test against South Africa on Tuesday after reaching 101-3 at stumps and still needed another 101 to avoid an innings defeat. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (38) and Mushfiqur Rahim (31) were undefeated after the game in Mirpur. Their 42-run stand for the fourth wicket also made Mushfiqur the first Bangladeshi to pass 6,000 Test runs in a career. South Africa were all out for 308 in their first innings of 308, giving the visitors a 202-run lead by the wicket. Kyle Verreincentury

“This is probably the toughest conditions I’ve ever played in in terms of heat and humidity,” Verrein said.

“Ninety percent of those pitches were just against spin. Everything happens quickly. You don’t have much time to reset in terms of concentration. That was by far my most rewarding innings.”

Bangladesh lost two early wickets in quick succession Kagiso Rabada in response, Shadman Islam was the first to go, caught at short leg one in the third over.

Three goals later This is a reminder edging and Vian Mulder a sharp catch at third slip came to nothing, leaving the hosts 19-2 ahead at tea.

Captain Najmul Hossein Shanto dropped weight Keshav Maharaj after a grueling 23 from 49 balls.

Bangladesh would lose another wicket late in the day when Mahmudul made a mad dash and missed the ball, avoiding being stumped in the nick of time.

Verrenne was the last man out in South Africa’s first innings, hitting eight fours and two sixes in his 114.

He put on 119 for the seventh wicket along with Mulder, who made 54, in response to Bangladesh’s first innings of 106.

It was the best seventh-wicket total against Bangladesh in South Africa after the pair resumed their early score of 140-6.

Dane Piedtfired for being 32 lbs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz partnered Verrein for a 66-run stand for the ninth wicket.

“Stick to the Basics”

Fast bowler from Bangladesh Hassan Mahmoud took two wickets in two balls in the 65th over, the only bright spot in the morning session as South Africa added 103.

“Test cricket is like that,” Hasan said when asked how the hosts managed to concede 200 runs for the last four wickets.

“In such situations, the bowlers’ focus shifts to containing the flow of runs and increasing pressure on the batsmen. It’s all about sticking to the basics.”

Hasan finished with 3-66 and Mehidy 2-63, finally ending the innings as Verraine was stumped after scoring 144 balls.

Rabada on Monday became the fastest player to take 300 Test wickets as Bangladesh collapsed after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

Left hand spinner Taijul Islam passed 200 Test wickets and finished with 5–122, becoming the second Bangladeshi to achieve this feat after Shakib Al Hasan.

Bangladesh have never beaten South Africa in a Test and the second match of the two-match series will begin in Chattogram on October 29.