Tigers trail despite Joy’s epic ton
A sensational knock from Mahmudul Hasan Joy helped Bangladesh stay in the fight against South Africa on the third day of their first Test at Kingsmead in Durban today.
Joy picked up his maiden Test ton and also became the only Bangladeshi batter to have scored a century against the Proteas in the format as Bangladesh accumulated 298 runs in their first innings in reply to South Africa's 367-run first-innings total.
South Africa, however, could not bat for long as play on the third day stopped early due to rain. The Proteas ended the day on six for no loss and a lead of 75 runs with openers Sarel Erwee and Dean Elgar each unbeaten on 3.
The highlight of the day was Joy's resilient knock that kept the Tigers after they were reduced to 101 for five early on the day. The youngster, of only 21 years of age, displayed utter determination and concentration throughout his marathon 326-ball 137 that lasted for over seven hours and five sessions.
Despite being rattled at times by the likes of South Africa pacers Lizaad Williams and Duanne Olivier, with both the pacers beating the outside edges off Joy's willow occasionally, Joy remained adamant to carry on through the challenging period. He starred in stands of 82, 33, 51 and 27 with Liton Das (41 off 92), Yasir Ali (22 off 37), Mehedi Hasan Miraz (29 off 81) and Khaled Ahmed (0 off 7) respectively to frustrate the Proteas.
As he ran out of partners at the death, Joy, who has been incredibly patient and cautious in his approach for the most part of the game, chanced his arms near the end of the Tigers' innings.
He smashed South Africa pacer Wiaan Mulder for four boundaries -- three of those in successive deliveries -- as he looked to reduce South Africa's lead. However, after frustrating the Proteas bowlers for hours, Joy's epic innings finally came to an end when he edged a Lizaad Williams delivery back to the lone slip.
Joy, deservingly, received a standing ovation from the Tigers' camp as he walked back to the pavilion after such a courageous batting display.
Joy shines as Bangladesh eat into SA lead
Despite losing seven wickets, Bangladesh batters look settled in the middle as the Tigers head into Tea on the third day of their first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban today.
Bangladesh reached 257 for seven, still trailing by 110 runs, before Tea.
The highlight of the session was Mahmudul Hasan Joy reaching his maiden Test ton and also becoming the first Bangladeshi to have reached the landmark score against South Africa in Tests.
Bangladesh lost two wickets in the 28-over session with Liton Das falling just an over after the Lunch break and Yasir Ali, who looked fluent during his 22-run knock, fell to a run-out, caused by an unnecessary mix-up between Joy and the batter.
However, Joy and Mehedi Hasan Miraz have steadied the innings since then, accumulating 41 runs off 114 deliveries for their eight-wicket stand. Joy remains unbeaten on 106 off 295 deliveries while Miraz, who has been a bit more aggressive than his partner, is not out on 24 off 65 deliveries.
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