Bangladesh dominate the rain affected, Bangladesh v South Africa 1st Test Day 2 Report

Bangladesh dominate the rain affected, Bangladesh v South Africa 1st Test Day 2 Report: The 2nd day of the Bangladesh v South Africa 1st test started off with Bangladesh at the crease on 7/0 trailing behind South Africa’s 248. Two half centuries by Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah brought Bangladesh to a secured position with a partnership of 89 runs for the second wicket. By the end of the 2nd day’s play, Bangladesh was left behind only by 69 runs when rain stopped play earlier today with Bangladesh on 179/4. The third session saw a play of only 42 minutes after heavy rain stopped play on the 2nd day of the First test in Chittagong.

Surely, the break would be more than welcomed by both the teams, but no second thoughts that South Africans are more in need of one, in order to rethink and analyse their game plan and tactics. With a new look, long hair and a headband Dale Steyn is not only out of look but also looks nothing like someone to reach a mark of 400 wickets through his form as well. Run- scoring was tough on the pitch but, Bangladesh batsmen looked rather calm and determined unlike the Proteas. The South African pace pack was much of a disappointment on the 2nd day, but rather the lesser-knowns were the ones with wickets balancing the day where Bangladesh lost 3 wickets out of 4 to them.

The half centurions of the day, Tamim and Mahmudullah kept their calm with use of techniques and continued to play low avoiding the risks. Building pressure over the SA bowlers who were on the contrary more annoyed and got into heated conversations with the batsman when Dale Steyn, who neither had swing nor the reverse-swing tried to provoke Tamim who showed maturity and didn’t let it affect his game. Morne Morkel seemed quiet and was missing on the aggression needed in today’s game, Philander though unable to seam the ball bowled a tight spell maintaining the line outside off.

Harmer the lead spinner was backed up with the part timers Stiaan van Zyl and Dean Elgar to provide the breakthrough SA needed. After a tight nine overs that gave away only 19 runs by Morkel and Harmer, Van Zyle was the surprise element who was successful in taking a wicket in the form of Imrul Kayes. Just after three overs Mominul Haq was sent back to pavilion by Harmer when he tried to cut through his ball which found the stumps instead.

South Africa saw a ray of hope and Amla hoped for more breakthroughs for which he gave the ball to the attacking right arm bowler Dale Steyn before and after lunch. Tamim stood like a wall, not ready to give away his wicket. Tamim’s 50 came in 119 balls, both cautious, and without charging onto the spinners. Though Tamim’s patience came to an end before tea when Elgar was brought in on captain’s intuition which worked well for them.
Excited with the wicket once again Dale Steyn was introduced into the attack but Mahmudullah had settled in very comfortably, scoring is fifty with a four down the leg side of Steyn’s delivery surviving the tea with 50 from 109 delivers.

The start of the third session after tea went well with the Tigers, Mushfiqur seemed at home playing more freely than only other player on either of the day. Before they could go further Mahmudullah was taken down by Philander on a leg before shout, for which after a bit of hesitation he settled in not asking for the review. Though, the review would hardly change the decision. The day wrapped up with a 50-50 chance for both the sides.

Brief Score:

South Africa – 248 (T Bavuma 54; M Rahim 4-37)

Bangladesh – 179-4 67 overs (Mahmudullah 67; S van Zyl 1-13) trail by 69 runs.