Mehidy earns Tigers lead against South Africa

Mehidy Hasan Miraz defied a spirited South Africa to quell Bangladesh's fear of an innings defeat and raised a hope of setting a good target in the first Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city on Wednesday, report agencies.

An innings defeat loomed large when Bangladesh began the Day 3 and it was further reinforced after they lost three wickets in quick succession.

But Miraz's huge resistance not only injected life into the game but also helped Bangladesh take 81-run lead before the bad light forced early stumps on Day 3, which was also interrupted by a spell of shower.

Miraz, who was batting with guts and perseverance, was on 87 as Bangladesh reached 283-7. Nayeem Hasan was on 16 when the umpire finally called it a day after waiting 30 minutes for light to come out.

Miraz shared a record 138-run with debutant Jaker Ali who made 58 to help weather the deficit of 202 runs.

The hosts were 283-7 in Mirpur when the umpires called stumps about an hour before the scheduled finish, with Mehidy on 87 and Nayeem Hasan on 16.

Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed said he believed his side could still snatch its first ever Test win against the visitors.

"We have to bat as long as we can, score consistently, and get whatever lead we can," he said.

"When we can start believing, we can come back and we fight," he added. "When you don't give up, the opposition also respects you."

South Africa only bowled five overs in the last session and fewer than 58 overs were played through the day after a rain interruption cut the second session short.

Mehidy and debutant Jaker added 138 runs for the seventh wicket to save Bangladesh from an innings defeat after they resumed at 101-3, chasing down South Africa's 202-run first-innings lead.

Jaker was eventually trapped lbw by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for 58.

"Obviously Bangladesh has done really well today. Conditions got a little bit better, if I'm honest, with a slightly used ball," Maharaj said.

"But I think we're still ahead," he added. "Bangladesh have a lead and we've got three wickets more to go. We can restrict them as much as possible, but I still feel we'll be in the bouncing seat.

In the morning, South African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada took advantage of overcast conditions to take two wickets in three balls during the fifth over.