Bangladesh stage remarkable comeback to set up an exciting finale against South Africa

Middle-order batsman Mehidy Hasan Miraz (26) spearheaded a resurgence for Bangladesh with an unbeaten 87 on the third day of the first Test against South Africa on Wednesday, transforming a precarious situation into a competitive match.

At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh concluded the day at 283 for seven in their second innings when bad light curtailed play, holding a lead of 81 runs over South Africa with three wickets remaining.

Mehidy and Nayeem Hasan (16 not out) will continue their innings on Thursday, aiming to set South Africa a challenging target on a pitch that has shown variable behavior.

Having trailed by 202 runs after the first innings, Bangladesh appeared to be on the brink of an innings defeat after losing three early wickets on Wednesday, collapsing from an overnight score of 101-3 to 112-6. Kagiso Rabada took two wickets, while Keshav Maharaj dismissed Litton Das.

Rabada dismissed opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 40, caught at first slip in the fifth over, and then bowled Mushfiqur Rahim with the very next delivery. Litton Das was caught behind by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne off Maharaj, although the initial appeal was rejected. South Africa's captain Aiden Markram narrowly requested a review, which ultimately proved successful.

Mehidy and debutant Jaker Ali then mounted a formidable resistance with an aggressive partnership, adding 138 runs for the seventh wicket, which not only erased Bangladesh's deficit but also instilled hope for a turnaround.

Mehidy reached his half-century in 94 balls, followed by Jaker, who took 104 balls to achieve his 50 before being dismissed leg before wicket by Maharaj for 58.

Rain interrupted play just as South Africa was about to receive the second new ball, leading to an early tea. Upon resuming after a lengthy delay, the umpires determined that the light conditions were insufficient for South Africa's seamers to bowl.

In an unexpected decision, the visitors opted to continue with their spin attack rather than take the bad light, allowing Bangladesh to add 16 runs in five overs before play was ultimately suspended.

The Test match in Dhaka marks the initial encounter of a two-match series, with the subsequent match scheduled to take place in Chittagong next week.