South Africa take control on day 1 as Bangladesh lose out on advantage

Bangladesh failed to capitalise on an excellent start as they ended the first day of the second Test against South Africa at 246 for the loss of 8 wickets. The day started off brilliantly for the Proteas as Dale Steyn picked up his 400^th wicket in Test Cricket when Tamim Iqbal edged behind.

He became only the second South African and the second joint fastest alongside Richard Hadlee to achieve this feat. Momimul Haque and Imrul Kayes stitched a decent partnership before JP Duminy provided the breakthrough.

The right-armer immediately removed Kayes as well in his very next over to leave Bangladesh wobbling at 86 for 3. But then, skipper Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah put on a 94-run partnership for the 4^th wicket to stamp their authority.

But then, Steyn came back to remove Mahmudullah for 35 which brought out Shakib to the crease. They were in an excellent position at 215 for 4 in 74 overs. But just at a time when they had to play out the day, the collapse began.

First, part-timer Dean Elgar removed the well-settled Mushfiqur for 65, and the next three wickets fell in quick succession to leave the hosts reeling at the end of day’s play. Dale Steyn and JP Duminy picked three wickets each.

But considering the pitch has already started taking turn, the hosts will be confident that they can restrict the South Africans again like they did during the first Test.