South Africa’s bowling coach Charl Langeveldt believes the first Test is evenly poised at the moment although he kept the hosts ahead in the long run. After rain cut short the second day’s play at Chittagong’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Bangladesh were 179-4 and trail the visitors by 69 runs in the first innings.
Half centuries from Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah, and their 89-run third wicket stand, ensured the Tigers reach a comfortable zone as the former Proteas paceman Langeveldt thinks they will be in trouble if the home side register a lead over 100 runs.
“I think it was a really tough day. Bangladesh really batted well. They were patient. Normally they have the second highest scoring rate. I think our guys bowled really well and Bangladesh batted well.
“I think it is 60-40 in their side. The game is fairly even. If they get a 100-run lead against us, we will be struggling. At the moment, it is fairly even,” said Langeveldt after the end of day two.
The 40-year old expects a better show from the world class pace bowlers at his disposal. “For any bowling coach you would want more but you will take that. Tomorrow you could take two wickets up front. Both their best batsmen are in now – Mahmudullah played unbelievably and Tamim also batted well. Tomorrow could be a different story. It could be overcast. The second new ball is due,” he said.
The Proteas skipper Hashim Amla used part-timers Stiaan van Zyl and Dean Elgar, both picked a wicket each, but kept off-spinner JP Duminy from action. Langeveldt praised the bowlers and felt Amla did what felt right to him.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Dale Steyn remained wicket-less in his 13 overs and gave away 46 runs. The right-arm quickie did not get any assist from the slow wicket, but Langeveldt backed up his former team-mate and said Steyn is a big match player and he will comeback strongly in the game.
