Mominul’s rare failure
Top-order batsman Mominul Haque has established himself as a wall in the Bangladesh batting line-up. Eleven fifties in back-to-back Tests boosted his image as an ideal Test batsman. Replying to South Africa’s first-innings tally, Bangladesh were at a steady point when Mominul walked in to the middle following Imrul Kayes’ dismissal. The left-hander was expected to carry on from there but he could survive only 14 deliveries and add six runs to the board – a rare failure for Bangladesh’s best Test batsman with a staggering average of nearly 57 after 16 matches.
Steyn’s struggles
South Africa spearhead Dale Steyn was expected to pose the main challenge for the Bangladesh batsmen. Prior to the Chittagong five-dayer, there is no doubt that the visitors were relying on the world’s premier Test bowler to be lethal against the hosts. But the opposite happened as the right-arm fast bowler struggled for most of the second day’s play at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Yesterday, Steyn bowled 13 overs in four spells and leaked 46 runs, failing to bag a single wicket and make inroads to the 400-wicket club.
Tamim-Mahmudullah resistance
Two quick dismissals, that of opener Kayes and Mominul, could have pushed Bangladesh on the brink of a collapse. But the pressure was eased off by Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah. The duo was clam and resolute against the South Africa bowlers, who were offering them with playable deliveries. But Tamim and Mahmudullah ensured of not giving in to a rush of blood and milked runs at 2.83 per over. The third-wicket pair were together for 31.4 overs and put on 89, the second highest partnership for any wicket against South Africa. The association enabled Bangladesh to cruise to 144 from 55 for 2.
Tamim-De Kock skirmish
Cricket being a non-contact sport discourages physical contact. However, the ongoing series between Bangladesh and South Africa seems to have overlooked that notion. Following a conversation, Bangladesh opener Tamim and South Africa wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock got involved in an incident of shoulder barging at the stroke of lunch. Proteas captain Hashim Amla swiftly intervened to disperse the situation. This was the second such instance in this series. The previous one also involved Tamim as he was pushed on the shoulder by Rilee Rossouw during the second one-day international. The South Africa cricketer was found guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct and was slammed with a fine.
