South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada delivered a blistering spell on Day 3 of the second Test, claiming 5-37 and leaving Bangladesh reeling at 137-8 by lunch. Rabada’s morning attack saw Bangladesh’s top order crumble to 48-8 before Mominul Haque staged a determined resistance, helping his side reach past the 100-run mark.
Rabada struck early, dismissing Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for just 9, setting the tone for a dominant South African session. In the following over, Dane Paterson sent Mushfiqur Rahim packing for a duck, continuing the collapse. Rabada then struck twice more, removing Mehidy Hasan and debutant Mahidul Islam in three deliveries, pushing Bangladesh deeper into trouble.
While Bangladesh’s batting lineup fell apart, Mominul Haque stood resilient. Batting on 74 at the interval, he has partnered with Taijul Islam, who scored 18, adding an impressive 89 runs for the ninth wicket. Mominul’s composed innings, featuring eight fours and a six, underscored that the pitch still offers opportunities for scoring.
Bangladesh, however, trails by 438 runs and needs another 339 runs to force South Africa to bat again. South Africa declared their first innings at 575-6, with three players achieving maiden centuries.
The early struggles on Day 3 hint at a challenging uphill battle for Bangladesh, who previously lost the first Test by seven wickets. Rabada’s performance sets South Africa in strong control as the series nears its conclusion.