Mehidy''s half-century helps Bangladesh avoid an innings defeat against South Africa

Mirpur, Dhaka (Bangladesh), Oct 23 (AP) Mehidy Hasan hit a half-century to help Bangladesh reach 201-6 and reduce the deficit to just one run at lunch on Day 3 of the opening Test against South Africa on Wednesday. Kagiso Rabada, who claimed 4-35, and Keshav Maharaj jolted Bangladesh with three quick wickets in just 22 balls to leave it at 112-6 and in danger of an innings defeat. But Mehidy resisted, with the support of debutant Jaker Ali, to ensure the hosts could at least make South Africa bat for the second time.

Mehidy was batting on 55 at lunch with Jaker 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 Bangladesh with two wickets in three balls in just the fourth over of the day.



Opener Mahmudul Hasan 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 6,000 Test runs on Tuesday, paid the price of lack of foot movement as Rabada's fuller-length delivery skidded through to rattle the stump. Mushfiqur added two runs to his overnight tally to be out on 33.

(AP) AYG.