As the game resumed on the third day, Bangladesh found themselves 101 runs behind.
To avoid the ignominy of an innings defeat, the team needed to make up the deficit. However, what already seemed like a daunting task turned into an even more difficult challenge, as Bangladesh lost two crucial wickets within the first five overs—those of set batsmen Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudul Hasan Joy.
At the start of the day, batting coach David Hemp remarked on television, "Every ball is a scoring opportunity, so I want to encourage that mindset."
Perhaps driven by that encouragement, Mahmudul Hasan Joy chased a delivery far outside off stump, with footwork that left much to be desired. The result was predictable—Kagiso Rabada, who had already taken two wickets the previous day, struck again. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for 40 runs off 92 balls.
In cricket, one wicket often leads to another, and that was the case here.
In the previous innings, Rabada's incoming delivery had uprooted Mushfiqur's stumps, and in a near-replica, the same fate befell him just one ball after Joy's departure. Mushfiqur departed for 33 runs from 39 balls.
As this report is being written, Liton Das has also fallen.
Attempting to defend against Keshav Maharaj, he edged the ball to Kyle Verreynne.
Although the on-field umpire initially gave it not out, South Africa successfully reviewed the decision. With six wickets down for just 112 runs, Bangladesh’s situation looks bleak.
To avoid an innings defeat, Bangladesh still needs 90 more runs, with the last recognised pair of batsmen at the crease.
