Mehidy Hasan Miraz Rescues Bangladesh
In a thrilling turnaround, Mehidy Hasan Miraz put up a heroic performance to guide Bangladesh to 283-7 at stumps on the third day of the first Test against South Africa. His unbeaten 87 helped the team recover from a precarious 112-6 and take an 81-run lead, staving off the threat of an innings defeat. Despite interruptions due to rain and poor light, Mehidy’s fighting spirit kept Bangladesh in the game, supported by Nayeem Hasan, who remains not out on 16.
Mehidy Miraz Leads the Fightback
After a dismal first innings where Bangladesh was bowled out for just 106, South Africa responded strongly, posting a commanding 308, thanks to Kyle Verreynne’s century (114). The hosts were in deep trouble, staring at a huge deficit and the possibility of an innings defeat. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz had other plans.
Bangladesh began their second innings on 101-3, but early on, Kagiso Rabada’s fiery spell left them reeling. Rabada used the moisture on the pitch effectively, picking up 4-35, and along with left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (3-105), applied immense pressure on the Bangladesh batsmen. In a devastating fourth over of the day, Rabada claimed two wickets in three balls, pushing Bangladesh to the edge.
Opener Mahmudul Hasan was the first to fall, edging a Rabada delivery to first slip after being undone by extra bounce, ending his solid 40-run knock. Shortly after, Bangladesh’s veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, who earlier in the match became the first Bangladesh batter to score 6,000 runs in Test cricket, fell for 33. A fuller delivery from Rabada skidded through, rattling his stumps as Mushfiqur was caught flat-footed.
Record Stand with Jaker Ali
At 112-6, with the top order in ruins, Bangladesh seemed destined for a humiliating defeat. But Mehidy Hasan Miraz, known for his grit, joined forces with debutant Jaker Ali to mount a remarkable resistance. The duo put on a record-breaking 138-run partnership, the highest for Bangladesh against South Africa for any wicket. Jaker Ali contributed a valuable 58, showing composure under immense pressure in his debut Test.
Mehidy reached his ninth Test half-century in style, lofting a six off Dane Piedt and driving Maharaj to deep mid-off for a single. His partnership with Jaker brought Bangladesh back into the game, wiping out the 202-run first-innings deficit and giving the team a slim but vital lead.
Holding the Line
Even after Jaker’s dismissal, trapped lbw by Maharaj, Mehidy continued to hold firm. His 171-ball vigil, decorated with nine boundaries and a six, proved crucial as he kept frustrating the South African bowlers. Nayeem Hasan provided steady support at the other end, remaining unbeaten on 16 as bad light brought an early end to the day’s play.
Mehidy’s resilient knock has given Bangladesh a fighting chance to turn things around in this Test match. With two more days to play, all eyes will be on whether Bangladesh can build on their slim lead and push for an improbable result.
FAQs
1. How did Mehidy Hasan Miraz save Bangladesh from an innings defeat?
2. What was the key moment in Bangladesh’s comeback?
The key moment was the partnership between Mehidy Hasan and Jaker Ali. Their record-breaking 138-run stand for the seventh wicket helped Bangladesh erase the first-innings deficit and take the game into the fourth day, keeping the match alive for the hosts.
