Proteas keep bossing Tigers

On a pitch that they described as unexpectedly flat, Bangladesh's batsmen were shot out for 320 in response to South Africa's mammoth 496 for three on the third day of the first Test at Potchefstroom's Senwes Park yesterday. From Bangladesh's perspective it would be optimism of a foolhardy bent to mention the obscure stat that it was the first time that Bangladesh strung together four consecutive half-century partnerships, but the reality is that none of those passed 69 and that Bangladesh are now 230 runs behind with eight wickets to get or a declaration.

As the clouds gathered in the evening to bring an early end to the day with 16.1 overs still remaining, South Africa were 54 for two in their second innings with Hashim Amla batting on 17 and Temba Bavuma on three. Despite skipper Mushfiqur Rahim's defensive fields -- he started with two boundary sweepers for off-spinner Mehedi Hasan and three men on the boundary for Shafiul Islam -- good bowling from Bangladesh prised out the two openers who put on 196 runs in the first innings.

Shafiul got one to tail back into Dean Elgar in the eighth over and trapped the left-hander in front. The umpire gave it out and Elgar reviewed, but the decision was upheld. Then in the 11th over Mustafizur Rahman, in the middle of a splendid late spell that extracted some movement under the clouds, got Markram caught behind with a full, trademark off-cutter that just kissed the bat on way to wicketkeeper Liton Das's gloves to bring South Africa down to 38 for two.

In the afternoon session, Bangladesh reverted to type, as after a confident morning session they lost four wickets for 90 runs to reach 308 for eight. Resuming at 218 for four after lunch, only nine runs were added before Mominul Haque played left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj almost straight off the bat into the hands of short leg in the 64th over for 77.

That brought an end to a 69-run fifth-wicket partnership with Mahmudullah.

Another half-century stand characterised by the frenzy to score runs rather than occupy the crease between Sabbir Rahman and Mahmudullah followed. Sabbir was his enterprising self -- his four fours and a six included a reverse-swept four to fine leg -- but his 46-ball innings ended on 30 when he under-edged an attempted glide to third man off a Duane Olivier lifter to leave Bangladesh on 292 for six.

Mahmudullah and Mehedi Hasan Miraz took Bangladesh past the follow-on target of 296, but Mahmudullah left soon afterwards, playing on against Morne Morkel for a 124-ball 66. A mix-up between Taskin Ahmed and Mehedi then gave the home side their eighth wicket.

After the break, without a run being added Mehedi was bounced out by Rabada for eight in the 87th over. Shafiul soon edged Keshav Maharaj to give the left-arm spinner his third wicket and close Bangladesh's innings on 320.

Earlier, Tamim Iqbal was the only casualty as Bangladesh scored 91 runs and reaching 218 for four at lunch.

Bangladesh resumed the day on 127 for three from 34 overs with Tamim and Mominul batting on 22 and 28 respectively, and although the former creamed a square driven boundary off Kagiso Rabada off the eighth ball of the day, what followed was a period of high class fast bowling from Rabada and Morne Morkel that the pair survived by the skin of their teeth.

However, the pair managed to negotiate that period to some extend and, although Tamim departed for a 67-ball 39, Mominul went on to score his 12th Test half-century before being sent back for a 150-ball 77.