Bangladesh endured a batting disaster on the opening day of the Dhaka Test, losing 6 wickets for just 60 runs by the lunch break.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (13 off 24 balls) was the latest to fall, trapped lbw by South African spinner Keshav Maharaj. Even a review couldn’t save him after the umpire's initial decision.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat at the Shere Bangla Cricket Stadium on Monday. However, they faltered from the start.
Opener Sadman Islam was dismissed in the second over without scoring, caught at second slip by Aiden Markram off Wian Mulder’s bowling. Bangladesh quickly slumped to 6/1.
Muminul Haque followed shortly after, adding just 4 runs off 6 balls. He was caught behind by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne off Mulder, leaving Bangladesh at 14/2.
Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto also failed to provide stability, caught at short mid-off by Maharaj off another Mulder delivery for 7, reducing the hosts to 21/3.
Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim tried to steady the ship but was bowled by Kagiso Rabada for 11 runs off 22 balls, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 40/4.
Liton Das could not provide any respite either, scoring just 1 run from 13 balls before being caught at slip by Tristan Stubbs off Rabada.
With half the side back in the pavilion and the score at 60/6 by lunch, Bangladesh faces an uphill battle against a fierce South African bowling attack.