Despite losing a couple of wickets at the fag end of the day, South Africa would be content with the batting performances they put up on Day 1, with three batters managing fifties. They finished on 278/5, with Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder at the crease.
Dean Elgar, en route to an 89-ball 70, notched his third-fastest Test fifty and forged a crucial stand with Keegan Peterson, who responded with 64. Temba Bavuma looked at ease and took his time to score 67 before falling to Khaled Ahmed.
Taijul Islam has been the most productive bowler for Bangladesh, bowling with precision to keep the run rate in check and take three wickets. The pacers, on the other hand, were toothless, and were responsible for letting Elgar get off to a spirited start.
If Bangladesh manage to break this partnership early on Day 2, they can restrict South Africa to a total of below 400. Verreynne is the last recognised batter, and while Mulder too is quite handy with the bat, he has struggled to get runs of late.
Taijul getting some purchase on this track must have been a great sight for Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. They are going to be the main weapon for the hosts, in the absence of regular fast bowlers.
Fantasy Tips
- Pick both Maharaj and Harmer in your squad.
- Mominul Haq and Tamim Iqbal are ideal picks among batters.