Maharaj lifts South Africa to 384-7 at lunch

South Africa found hero in Keshav Maharaj again as he stood tall with willow to help the side reach 384-7 at lunch on day two of the second Test against Bangladesh at Port Elizabeth today.

Maharaj was batting on 55 with Simon Harmer on 3 at the first interval of the day, reports BSS. 

Maharaj claimed seven wickets as Bangladesh were dismissed for 53 in the second innings of the first Test in Durban to taste a 220-run defeat.

South Africa resumed the day on 278-5 but lost last recognized batter Kyle Verreynne just six overs after the start of the day.

The session started off with drama as Khaled threw the ball at Verreynne when the batter was inside the crease and things got heated for a while.

But soon after Khaled rattled his stump to dismiss him for 22 as South Africa were reduced to 300-6. Khaled roared in Verreynne's face after getting the wicket, to complicate the things further.

Bangladesh were sensing a chance to wrap up South African innings quickly after Verreynne wicket but Maharaj resisted in a way that Bangladesh hardly imagined.

He got the support in overnight unbeaten batter Wiaan Mulder and together they added 80-run for the seventh wicket stand to keep Bangladesh at bay for large part of the morning session.

Just before the lunch, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam gave Bangladesh a sigh of relief, getting rid of Mulder with a flighted delivery. Mulder hit three fours and one six for his 33 off 77.

Maharaj however was largely fluent in his 55 off 61, in which he struck four fours and three sixes.

Taijul ended the session with 4-107 while Khaled claimed 3-91.

Earlier on day one, South Africa were carried by Captain Dean Elgar who made 70. Keegan Petersen with 64 and Temba Bavuma with 67 gave him adequate support.