Mehidy Hasan's Heroics: Bangladesh's Fightback Against South Africa

Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan scored a crucial half-century, reducing the deficit against South Africa to one run on Day 3 of the opening Test. Despite quick wickets by Kagiso Rabada, Mehidy, supported by debutant Jaker Ali, ensured Bangladesh forced South Africa to bat again with a solid 89-run partnership.

In a gritty display of resilience, Mehidy Hasan struck a half-century, leading Bangladesh to a lunch score of 201-6, trailing South Africa by just one run on the third day of the opening Test. Kagiso Rabada, with figures of 4-35, and Keshav Maharaj disrupted Bangladesh's innings with rapid wickets in a span of just 22 balls, reducing them to a precarious 112-6.

However, Mehidy's defiant knock, supported by debutant Jaker Ali, was instrumental in Bangladesh's recovery, forcing South Africa to bat again. Mehidy stood unbeaten at lunch on 55, alongside Jaker Ali on 30, crafting an impressive 89-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Rabada exploited the early pitch conditions expertly, striking twice in the fourth over of the morning. Opener Mahmudul Hasan fell for 40, edged to first slip, while Mushfiqur Rahim, fresh off becoming the first Bangladeshi to score 6,000 Test runs, was bowled for 33 due to a lapse in footwork against Rabada's fuller delivery.

(With inputs from agencies.)