Proteas made to toil against Bangladesh on bad-light affected day

The Tigers rallied to finish the day 81 runs ahead of South Africa with three wickets remaining, a scenario that seemed incredibly unlikely after being skittled out for 106 in their first innings.

Starting day three on 101/3, Bangladesh were putting up a fight. But a red-hot Kagiso Rabada bagged opener Mhamudul Hasan Joy and key man Mushfiqur Rahim in quick succession. Tweaker Keshav Maharaj got in on the action, just grabbing the edge of Litton Das' bat while Kyle Verreynne cleaned up.

On the brink of an innings defeat at 112/6, the situation was dire for the hosts. But Mehidy Hasan Miraz and debutant Jaker Ali had other ideas.

The pair dug in to see off Rabada and a probing Wiaan Mulder, then took a particular liking to Dane Piedt. The spinner's 19 second innings overs have cost the Proteas 95 runs with no return so far.

Miraz and Ali began to play with freedom, racking up a 138-run seventh-wicket partnership, scarcely believable considering the track has turned square since the first morning. Maharaj finally trapped Ali in front for a well-played 58 late in the day.

Bad light would have the final say, but it was a bright Bangladeshi dressing room having not only survived the day, but thrived.

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