Bangladesh fought back late on the opening day of their series-deciding second Test against South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha today. 

Taijul Islam bagged three crucial wickets while pacer Khaled Ahmed accounted for two as South Africa were reduced to 278 for five at Stumps. 

It, however, was a hard day for Bangladesh, who had to toil hard to make inroads after being sent to bowl first. In fact, the hosts dominated the first session completely, giving away just one wicket -- that of Sarel Erwee when the batter nicked a Khaled delivery back to the wicketkeeper -- while scoring runs at a brisk pace. 

After that, it was Taijul who provided the Tigers with breakthroughs at crucial stages of the game. The left-arm spinner started by setting up South Africa skipper Dean Elgar (70 off 89) for a caught behind after the Lunch break. 

After having Elgar beaten by a sharp inward turn, Taijul bowled a straighter and quicker delivery the very next ball to induce an edge off the batter's willow. That wicket ended a crucial 81-run stand between Elgar and Keegan Petersen. 

South Africa had partnerships in between, with Temba Bavuma starring in stands of 51 and 83 runs with Petersen and Ryan Rickelton for the third and fourth wickets respectively. 

Both the growing and daunting partnerships were, however, ended by Taijul as he had Petersen trapped in front on 64 before Rickelton's reverse sweep attempt ended up in the hands of Yasir Ali at slip. 

Khaled, who had given the Tigers their initial breakthrough, also helped the visitors end on a high note as he picked up the all-important wicket of Bavuma (67 off 162) late on the day. 
 

Bangladesh's left-arm spinner Taijul Islam in action. Photo: AFP

Taijul gives crucial breakthroughs as Tigers enjoy a better session

Bangladesh were able to get two wickets, thanks to left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, in the second session but South Africa still remain on top on the opening day of their series-deciding second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha today. 

South Africa were on 199 for the loss of three wickets before heading for Tea. 

Taijul gave Bangladesh two crucial breakthroughs after Lunch, helping the Tigers reduce the Proteas' scoring rate. The left-arm spinner ended an 81-run stand between South Africa skipper Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen when he had set up the former for a caught-behind. 

After beating Elgar with a delivery that turned sharply in towards the left-hander, Taijul followed it up with a straighter and quicker delivery to induce an edge off the batter's willow. That wicket put an end to a 70-run stand by Elgar. 

Taijul then also picked up another crucial wicket -- that of Petersen. Petersen, who had brought up his fourth Test fifty and was looking solid in the middle, was trapped in front by a Taijul delivery after the right-hander came down the track and failed to play the spinner across the line. The wicket was confirmed after a review as Petersen had to walk off following a 124-ball 64-run knock. 

Rain had interrupted the session, which saw the hosts score 92 runs and lose two wickets, for about half an hour and impacted the timings of the day's play. Tea was pushed back by 27 minutes while the close of play is scheduled at 9:27pm [BST]. There still remains a persistent cloud cover at St George's Park. 

Taijul strikes but SA still on top

Taijul Islam gave Bangladesh a crucial breakthrough in the second session before rain stopped play briefly during the Tigers' first day of the series-deciding second Test against South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha today. However, the hosts still remain on top as they keep on scoring with ease. 

The brief delay due to rain, of around 15 minutes, has however had impact on the timings for the rest of the day's play. Tea has been pushed back by 27 minutes and will be around 7:07pm [BST]. The close of play is now scheduled to be at 9:27pm [BST].  

South Africa were 156 for two in 39 overs before players had to rush off the ground following a sudden pouring with dark clouds hovering. The game, however, resumed soon with Temba Bavuma and Keegan Petersen out in the middle. 

After the hosts completely dominated the morning session, losing only just a solitary wicket while scoring at a brisk pace in that session, Bangladesh were able to get the crucial wicket of South Africa skipper Dean Elgar following Lunch. 

Elgar was cleverly set up by left-arm spinner Taijul, who has been included in the Tigers' eleven instead of injured pacer Taskin Ahmed. After having Elgar beaten with a ball that turned sharply in towards the left-handed batter, Taijul followed it up with a straighter and quicker delivery, luring Elgar into bringing his bat out in anticipation of the turn. 

However, the ball went on to get a healthy edge off Elgar's bat as wicketkeeper Liton Das completed the job by holding on to the catch. Elgar had to walk off after an 89-ball 70, laced with 10 boundaries.  

Since then, South Africa have bounced back with  Bavuma and Petersen playing fluently. Petersen brought up his fourth Test fifty off 74 deliveries when he struck pacer Ebadot Hossain for three consecutive boundaries. 

Taijul did continue getting turns from the pitch and that might bring some relief to the Tigers who have not had much to rejoice on the opening day of the Test so far.