Hridoy fifty keeps Bangladesh afloat after Rabada’s five-wicket haul

Kagiso Rabada completed his five-wicket haul but Towhid Hridoy’s half-century and Litton Das’ resilience ensured Bangladesh didn’t get rolled over, reaching 184-5 at Tea on Day 1 of their first Test against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Hridoy, unbeaten on 66, has added 63 runs for the sixth wicket Litton, not out on 30, to steady the ship after Rabada struck in consecutive deliveries to reduce Bangladesh to 121-5.

His first victim was opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who fished outside the off-stump, only to get an inside edge and see his off stump uprooted.

Tanzid’s departure on 67 also ended a 99-run fourth-wicket stand that steadied the innings after the visitors had lost three wickets for just 22 runs in the first session.

The experienced Mushfiqur Rahim then came to the middle, but his stay lasted just one delivery, as he pushed at a fuller length delivery and was caught at slip.

It was Bangladesh’s third duck in the innings, and the second golden duck, with debutant opener Mahfijul Islam Robin getting caught at slip in the first delivery of the match.

Hridoy and Litton then consolidated the innings, seeing off Rabada’s testing spell and taking a more positive approach against the other bowlers.

Hridoy, fresh off his double century and half-century in the Sylhet Test against the West Indies, crossed the 50-run mark for the third straight innings. Litton, who has been in and out of the side due to injuries, also has looked composed.

Bangladesh have all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the dressing room before the tail gets exposed.

But for the hosts, this partnership holds the key of how many they can put up on the board in the first innings.