Mulder fires with ball after Maharaj batting heroics leave Proteas on top at St George's

Keshav Maharaj scored an attacking half-century and Wiaan Mulder's triple strike saw the Proteas dominate day two of the second Test against Bangladesh at St. George's Park on Saturday.

Bangladesh trail by 314 runs as the tourists finished on 139/5 at stumps on Day 2.

SCORECARD | Proteas v Bangladesh, 2nd Test - Day 2

After resuming from their overnight total of 278/5, an 81-run partnership blossomed between Maharaj and Mulder as they took on control of proceedings.

The duo were not just nudging singles here and there as they smashed 11 boundaries between them in the seventh-wicket stand.

Batting at No 8, Maharaj showed that he is no slouch with the bat as he brought up his fourth Test half-century off just 50 balls.

His half-century saw the Proteas end their first innings with four half-centuries, including Dean Elgar's 70, Keegan Petersen's 64 and Temba Bavuma's 67.

Despite the Proteas' batting performance and their early bowling assault, Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam's stellar bowling spell was unfortunately sidetracked.

Islam, who did not play the first Test, bowled exceptional as he slammed into Mulder's off-stump to see him depart for a well-played 33 off 77 balls (three fours and a six).

Proteas spinner Simon Harmer contributed a handy 29 before he became Islam's fifth victim - as he took his 10th five-wicket haul.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz got the final wicket of Lizaad Williams, who was stumped for 13 as the Proteas posted 453 all out at the stroke of tea.

Islam ended with figures of six for 135 as he also reached the personal milestone of capturing 150 Test wickets. 

After posting a competitive 453, the Proteas bowlers took advantage of the swing offered as they made early inroads on the Bangladesh top-order.

Fast bowler Duanne