SA vs BAN 1st Test, Day 4: Bangladesh Crumble In Pursuit Of First Test Victory vs South Africa

Bangladesh's hopes of pulling off an historic first Test win against South Africa took a major blow when they made a horror start to their second innings at the end of the fourth day of the first Test at Kingsmead on Sunday. Bangladesh bowled out South Africa for 204 in the second innings, leaving themselves a target of 274 to win. Only six overs were possible before bad light ended play but South African spin bowlers Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, sharing the new ball, reduced Bangladesh to 11 for three.

However, Bangladesh team director, former Test captain Khaled Mahmud, said he was proud of his team for giving themselves a chance of victory.

In six previous Tests in South Africa they have suffered five innings defeats and have never been in contention to beat the hosts.

"It can happen in cricket," Mahmud said of the top-order collapse.

"There is still a possible chance, we have seven batsmen to go. If we bat well and bat long we have a good chance to be in this Test match."

"Whether we win or lose, I am very excited," said Mahmud.

"The boys bowled really well and came back very strongly to restrict their lead to 273. At one time they (South Africa) were batting very confidently. All the bowlers did their job very well and we fielded brilliantly."

Off-spinner Harmer had Shadman Islam caught at slip for nought in the second over before left-armer Maharaj took two wickets in his third over.

Maharaj bowled first innings century-maker Mahmudul Hasan for four with a ball which drifted in and found a gap between bat and pad.

Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque edged two runs before he went back on his stumps and was trapped leg before wicket.

"Ball is gripping"

It could have been even worse. Najmul Hossain survived an appeal