Bavuma, du Plessis set Bangladesh 424

South Africa 496 for 3 dec and 247 for 6 dec (Du Plessis 81, Bavuma 71, Mominul 3-27) lead Bangladesh 320 by 423 runs
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Fifties from Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma set up South Africa’s declaration, leaving Bangladesh needing 424 to win the series opener with a day and a half to spare.

Du Plessis was part of a fourth-wicket partnership of 142 runs with Bavuma, which came at a run-rate of nearly five. Bavuma, who was dropped on 8 by Imrul Kayes at backward point, used the sweep for one four through midwicket but was otherwise largely focused on the off side. Most of du Plessis’ runs, meanwhile, came on the leg-side, as he began attacking the bowlers early in his innings.

Apart from Mustafizur Rahman’s first spell, which accounted for Hashim Amla, and Bavuma’s dropped chance off Shafiul Islam’s bowling, the Bangladesh bowlers did not have much impact in the morning session. In all, South Africa ran up 149 in 29.1 overs in the first session.

Soon after the lunch break, Mominul Haque’s innocuous left-arm spin trapped Faf du Plessis leg-before for 81. He had struck six fours and a six in his 101-ball knock that gave the home side the acceleration in their second innings.

Rain then held up play for about 50 minutes before wicketkeeper Liton Das moved smartly to his left to take a smart catch from a paddle-sweeping Temba Bavuma, who made 71 off 107 balls. Mominul, who had only one wicket in his Test career before this game, claimed his second wicket of the match.

The part-time left-arm spinner then had Quinton de Kock stumped in his next over. Keshav Maharaj’s cameo – 19 off 11 balls – pushed the score to 247 before South Africa declared.

Bangladesh’s overall record in fourth innings in away Tests doesn’t bode well for their confidence although the only time they batted more than 100 overs was in Hyderabad this year. Their only away win chasing in the fourth innings also came this year, against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Source: ESPN Crickinfo

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