Bangladesh’s opening session could not have gone worse. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the hosts found themselves reeling at 60 for 6 before the first session ended.
Despite expectations of a spin-dominated match in Mirpur, it was pace that left Bangladesh in disarray. The team's top order crumbled, not against spin, but in the face of the fiery opening spell from Wiaan Mulder, which was later compounded by Kagiso Rabada, who claimed his 300th Test wicket in the process.
The collapse began with Sadman Islam, who chased a wide delivery from Mulder and edged it to slip, departing without scoring.
Mominul Haque was the next victim, edging behind to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne off Mulder after managing only 4 runs from 5 balls.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto soon followed, unable to cope with Mulder's altered angle, lofting a catch to Keshav Maharaj at mid-off, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 21 for 3.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim then sought to stabilise the innings, but Rabada had other plans. He bowled Mushfiqur with a brilliant delivery, leaving Bangladesh four down within the first hour.
Rabada's relentless pace continued to torment the hosts, as Liton Das became his next victim. A hard-length ball caught the outside edge of Liton's bat, and debutant Tristan Stubbs completed the catch at gully. At 45 for 5, all five wickets had fallen to the South African pacers.
Joy attempted to hold firm alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz, but just before lunch, Keshav Maharaj trapped Miraz LBW on the final ball of the session. Bangladesh was left in deep trouble at 60 for 6 going into the break.
