File Photo

DHAKA, Oct 23, 2024 (BSS)—South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj said due credit should be given to Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali Anik for their effort to deny South Africa close out the first cricket Test early in the morning session on Day 3 when the visitors got three wickets in quick succession. 

The visiting team left Bangladesh at a precarious 112-6 just in the seventh over of the day and with the hosts still needing 88 runs to weather the first innings deficit, it looked South Africa would win the game by innings margin.

Miraz and Jaker Ali then put a huge resistance and shared a record 138-run partnership for the seventh wicket, which eventually helped Bangladesh take 81 runs lead on truncated Day 3. South Africa though broke the partnership, removing Jaker for 58 but Miraz was not out on 87.

The South Africa’s lack of ability to allow the seventh wicket pair take lead raised a question whether they were relaxed after sensing an easy victory.

Maharaj denied the notion, saying “I don’t think it was a case of us taking our foot off the gas.”

“I think yesterday was probably the day that we went a little bit searching, if I'm honest. And then we got the three wickets, and I think Miraz and Jaker Ali played really well. We threw everything at them. I think they played really well, and you must give credit towards the batters.”

Bangladesh were bowled out for 106 in the first innings and South Africa replied with 308 all out, taking a huge 202-run lead. With Miraz in the crease, Bangladesh are now sniffing an unthinkable as the experts believe anything over 150-run target could be fatal for South Africa in a pitch that is expected to deteriorate on Day 4 and 5. 

But Maharaj believes that South Africa are still in favourable position to win the game. 

“Obviously Bangladesh has done really well today. Conditions got a little bit better, if I'm honest. But I think we're still ahead. Bangladesh has a lead but we've got three wickets more to go,” Maharaj said. 

“There'll be turn and bounce as the game goes on, but I think with a little bit of moisture in the air and the constant rolling, it has got a little bit better. Especially once that shine comes off the ball. Look, ideally we'd like to restrict Bangladesh to 100 or below, but it's important that we start well in the morning and then assess from there,” he said.

Maharaj ended the day with 3-105 while his bowling partner pace bowler Kagiso Rabada finished with 4-35 to share the seven wickets of Bangladesh. Their partnership bowling was highlight of the game that put South African in the front foot.

While Rabadal, as a fast bowler, bowled in small spell, Maharaj took the responsibility to bowl tirelessly.  On a day, which was interrupted by rain and bad light, Maharaj even bowled a 24 overs spell to allow other bowlers get a rest and keep them fresh. 

“My job at that stage was to try and hold up an end,” he said. “I think it's also as a spinner you want to allow yourself to settle in and get those long spells on a wicket like this, knowing that there is a ball that will turn and be in your favour. You know, luckily enough, towards the back end in the middle of my spell, I got some reward from that, he added.”