Potchefstroom
Bangladesh had their best day in three-Test series in South Africa but could not prevent the hosts from moving into a dominant position on the third day of the first Test at Senwes Park on Saturday.

Mominul Haque and Mahmudullah hit half-centuries to enable Bangladesh to avoid the follow-on but their total of 320 was still 176 short of South Africa’s first innings total of 496/3 declared.

In contrast to the first day, Bangladesh dismissed both South African opening batsmen cheaply at the start of the second innings. South Africa were 54/2 when bad light ended play early, an overall lead of 230. Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram were out for 18 and 15 respectively, after making 199 and 97 in the first innings.

Mominul made 77 — the highest Test score by a Bangladesh batsman against South Africa — and Mahmudullah hit 66 as Bangladesh topped 300 for the first time in nine Test innings in South Africa, where they have lost all four previous Test matches by an innings.

On a slow pitch, Bangladesh had four successive half-century partnerships between the third and sixth wickets. The tourists batted with positive intent, although much of the good work was undone when they lost their last five wickets for 28 runs, four of them after the second new ball had been taken. Maharaj was the most successful South African bowler, taking three for 92.

Brief Scores: SA: 496/3 decl and 54/2 (Amla 17*, Bavuma 3*); Bangla: 320 (Mominul 77, Mahmudullah 66; Maharaj 3/92).