Dhaka: Bangladesh have lost two quick wickets after a solid looking start on the second day of the first Test against South Africa. First, it was Imrul Kayes (26), and then Mominul Haque (6).  

The openers started cautiously on the second day. The duo scored 46 until Kayes was sent off by Stiaan van Zyl. He was stumped by de Kock. Haque, the most successful batsman in Test for Bangladesh, failed to make any impression as he was bowled out by Simon Harmer.

Earlier, Bangladesh dismissed the visiting South Africa for just 248 in their first innings in Chittagong. Bangladesh Openers Tamim Iqbal (one) and Imrul Kayes (five) took the hosts to seven without loss at stumps on the opening day.

Paceman Mustafizur Rahman enjoyed a dream Test debut on Tuesday, mowing through South Africa’s middle order as minnows Bangladesh made a strong start in the first Test against the top-ranked Proteas. Mustafizur took 4-37, including three wickets in four balls, while leg spinner Jubair Hossain claimed 3-53.

Despite their recent success in one-day internationals, Bangladesh have a dismal Test record and face a daunting opponent in South Africa, the top-ranked team in Test cricket.

Mustafizur, who earned his Test cap after impressive performances in his first six ODIs, produced a magical spell in his 14th over to dismiss Hashim Amla (13), JP Duminy and Quinton De Kock in the last session of the day. He induced an edge from Amla to claim the South African captain for his first-ever Test wicket, caught behind by Litton Das. The next ball hit Duminy on his front foot but the umpire initially declared him not out, before Bangladesh successfully reviewed the decision.  De Kock managed to deny the hat-trick but was late on a defensive push for the next ball which uprooted his off-stump, leaving South Africa reeling on 173-6.

‘I don’t have any regrets for missing out on the hat-trick,’ Mustafizur told reporters. ‘I was not bowling that well in the first session. But I tried to bowl a few dot balls. I knew if we create pressure from both the ends we will get success,’ he said. South Africa’s Bavuma blamed lack of partnerships for their poor total.

‘The wicket was slow and we could not create any big partnerships,’ he said. ‘Also we lost wickets at crucial moments, which cost us,’ he concluded.