Rain played spoilsport on the second day of the Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong. At stumps, the home team had scored 179 runs losing four wickets. With six wickets remaining, Bangladesh are clearly in the driving seat as they trail the South African total of 248 by 69 runs.
Bangladesh could have finished the second day with some lead, but the rain gods disappointed them.
The first day saw South Africa slump to 248, despite having put up 136 runs for the loss of one wicket. Hence, the second day was important for both the teams in the Test match. Bangladesh started the day well, as the opening bowlers of South Africa, could not get an early breakthrough despite their best efforts.
Bangladeshi batsman Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes need a special mention for the way they batted against the South African pacers who were bowling with the new ball. The duo weathered the early storm pretty well, but Kayes lost his wicket to van Zyl in the 19th over of the game with 46 runs on board for Bangladesh.
In a matter of nine runs, Mominul Haque was also dismissed by Simon Harmer for a paltry individual score of six runs.
An unperturbed Tamim Iqbal carried on, and in partnership with Mahmudullah, took the team score well past the 100-mark. But just when things were looking good for Bangladesh, they lost the key wicket of Iqbal to Dean Elgar, who bowled him. The score read 144 for 3 wickets and they were still in a comfortable position.
But later, Bangladesh lost the wicket of Mahmudullah, who was trapped leg before by Vernon Philander. This was the South African speedster's first wicket of the day. Mahmudullah batted patiently and scored 67 runs.
A few minutes after Mahmudullah's dismissal, heavens opened up, forcing the players to walk back to the pavilion with the score reading 178 for the loss of four wickets. When both the teams came out next on to the field, only a ball was bowled and Shakib Al Hasan scored a run, ending the 67th over of the game, even as rain played spoilsport again.
That was the last action of the second day.
One hopes that the weather on the third day is much better and a full third day's play is witnessed in Chittagong.
Where to Watch Live
The third day of the first Test match starts at 9:30am local time (9am IST, 4:30am BST, 11:30pm ET) with live TV coverage in India on Star Sports 1/HD and live streaming on starsports.com.
Viewers in South Africa can watch the action live on Super Sport2/HD and Bangladesh viewers can tune on to Gazi Tv.
Willow TV will offer live coverage of the third day of the first Test with live streaming option on Willow Tv Online.
