DHAKA, Oct 23, 2024 (BSS)-Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck a brilliant half-century to quell Bangladesh's fear of tasting an innings defeat as the hosts reached 201-6 and reduced the deficit to just 1 at lunch on Day 3 of the first cricket Test against South Africa at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 106 in its first innings and conceded a huge 202-run lead when South African replied with 308 before being all out.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who claimed 4-35 and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, jolted Bangladesh with three quick wickets in just 22 balls to leave at 112-6 and in danger of an innings defeat.

But Miraz resisted impeccably with the support of debutant Jaker Ali Anik to ensure the hosts at least could make South Africa batting for the second time. The fear of a defeat though loomed large.

Miraz was batting on 55 with Jaker Ali on 30 after sharing 89 runs for the unbeaten seventh wicket.

Rabada used the early moisture of the pitch expertly after Bangladesh resumed at 101-3. He pegged back the hosts with two wickets in three balls of just fourth over on the day.

Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy edged a delivery to first slip after being undone by the extra bounce for 40 off 92.

Mushfiqur Rahim who became the first Bangladesh batter to reach 6000 Test runs on Day 2, paid the price of lack of foot movement as Rabada's fuller length delivery skidded through to rattle the stump.

Mushfiqur added just two runs to his overnight tally to be out on 33.

Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj who had figures of 2-60 successfully reviewed one to remove Liton Das after he scored 7.

Miraz and Jaker survived a probing spell of Rabada and Maharaj to set them in the crease.

Miraz hit Dane Piedt a six over his head to grow with confidence and then drove Maharaj to deep mid-off for a single to raise his ninth fifty from 94 balls.

The duo then saw off the session with further fuss, hoping that they can continue to thwart South Africa.