Mehidy, Jaker place Bangladesh into 81-run ahead over SA

Half-centuries from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and debutant Jaker Ali put Bangladesh in a commanding position with an 81-run lead over South Africa on day three of the rain-affected first Test in Mirpur on Wednesday.

Bangladesh finished the day at 283-7, with Mehidy unbeaten on 87 and Nayeem Hasan on 16 when bad light forced an early stumps call. Only 58 overs were bowled due to rain interruptions, and South Africa managed just five overs in the final session.

The highlight of the day was 138-run partnership between Mehidy and Jaker for the seventh wicket, rescuing Bangladesh from a precarious 101-3 and erasing South Africa's 202-run first-innings lead. Jaker eventually fell for 58, trapped lbw by Keshav Maharaj.

Earlier, South Africa's Kagiso Rabada made early inroads, taking two wickets in three balls, dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 40 and clean-bowling Mushfiqur Rahim for 33. Litton Das also fell cheaply, edging a Maharaj delivery for just seven.

South Africa had earlier posted 308 in their first innings, courtesy of Kyle Verreynne's century, after Bangladesh were skittled out for 106 on day one. 

Bangladesh are now eyeing their first-ever Test victory over South Africa, with the second and final Test set to begin on October 29 in Chattogram.