Taijul's five-wicket haul restricts South Africa to 140-6

Despite a brilliant five-wicket haul from slow bowler Taijul Islam, South Africa has established a 34-run lead in the Mirpur Test against Bangladesh.

After dismissing the Tigers for a paltry 106, the Proteas appeared to be in control on Monday. However, Taijul (5-49) made a significant impact by taking key wickets just as South African batsmen were settling in.

At stumps, South Africa was at 140-6, with Tony de Zorzi scoring 30, while wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne (18) and Wiaan Mulder (17) were at the crease. This marked a more positive finish for the Tigers, who had faltered early on with yet another disappointing batting display after winning the toss and opting to bat.

The top order struggled against the pace of Wiaan Mulder (3-22), with support from Kagiso Rabada (3-26) and spinner Keshav Maharaj (3-34).

Rabada notably became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets based on the number of deliveries. Among the Bangladesh batsmen, only opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy offered some resistance, scoring 30 off 97 balls.

The highest partnership was the ninth-wicket stand of 26 runs between Taijul and Nayeem Hasan, with no other partnership exceeding 30 runs.

This marks the sixth time in their last seven home innings that Bangladesh has failed to surpass 200 runs, matching their lowest score when batting first.

The Tigers have only once been bowled out for a lower total at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, which was 87 runs against Pakistan in 2021.

However, Taijul's quick wickets provide them with a fighting chance as they head into Day 2 of the Test.