Tamim, Mahmudullah lift Tigers

Rain at Chittagong was the spoilsport on day 2 of the 1st Test between Bangladesh and South Africa.

In 65 overs bowled during the day, Bangladesh reached 179 for 4 and trail South Africa’s first innings total of 248 by 69 runs.

Both Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah struck maiden fifties against the visitors in Tests.

Tamim scored 57 before being bowled by Dean Elgar. Mahmudullah looked good for a big knock but was stopped at 67 by Vernon Philander.

South Africa’s part-time bowlers found more success on day 2 than Dale Steyn and co.

Stiaan van Zyl, Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer and Vernon Philander picked up one wicket each.

Mahmudullah was the fourth wicket to fall for Bangladesh when Vernon Philander’s full length delivery skidded on and struck the Bangladeshi batter in front of middle and leg.

The Tigers allrounder was instrumental in the stand with Tamim, and scored 67 runs from 138 balls. He hammered ten boundaries in his maiden fifty against the Proteas.

Dean Elgar ended Bangladesh’s decisive 3rd wicket of 89 between Tamim and Mahmudullah when he sent back the left-hander for 57 runs.

Chittagong stadium was hushed into silence when Tamim missed a loopy, full-toss from Elgar while going for a sweep and the ball dipped late to hit the leg-stump.

Tamim’s sedate knock lasted 129 balls and he struck three boundaries to the delight of Bangladesh supporters.

Tamim reached his first Test fifty against South Africa midway in the post-lunch session of the second day.

50-run stand between Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah for the 3rd wicket consolidated Bangladesh’s innings after the loss of two quick wickets earlier in the match.

Mominul Haque's sudden loss of concentration cost him his wicket when he tried to cut a flat, quick delivery from Harmer and saw the off-stump knocked back to his disappointment.

Bangladesh’s one-down batsman lasted only 14 balls and managed to score 6 before returning to the pavilion.

After a solid opening stand of 46, Imrul Kayes was the first wicket to fall when the Bangladeshi opener lost his balance, nearly fell over and was stumped down the leg-side.

Stiaan van Zyl’s delivery was drifting down leg, Imrul tried to flick it away but failed to make contact. Imrul’s stay at the wicket lasted 73 balls, and he scored 26 with three boundaries to his name.

Without any assistance from the pitch, South African fast bowlers failed to trouble the Bangladesh openers.

Both Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes were calmly in control of the situation, keeping the opposing bowlers at bay with sensible batting in the first session of day 2.

Bangladesh cricketers Tamim Iqbal (R) and Imrul Kayes. File Photo: AFP

Bangladesh bowlers played their part, took ten wickets and restricted South Africa to 248 in the first day.

Now it is up to the batsmen to make their mark and put Bangladesh in a strong position in the 1st Test of the series.

Bangladesh will seek to carry their limited-overs success into Tests and build solidity but they will have to contend with a South African side reinforced by the arrival of Dale Steyn,

Tigers coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes that the series will be decided by how well the hosts handle South Africa's 'world-class pace attack.'

Bangladesh Team

Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (Captain), Liton Das (Wicketkeeper), Jubair Hossain, Mohammad Shahid, Taijul Islam and Mustafizur Rahman

South Africa Team

D Elgar, S van Zyl, HM Amla (Captain), F du Plessis, T Bavuma, Q de Kock (Wicketkeeper), JP Duminy, VD Philander, DW Steyn, SR Harmer and M Morkel