Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz (left) plays a shot during the third day of the first Test cricket match between Bangladesh and South Africa at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday. — AFP

Half-centuries by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali propelled Bangladesh to an 81-run lead over South Africa before bad light prematurely ended day three of the first Test on Wednesday. The hosts were 283-7 in Mirpur when the umpires called stumps about an hour before the scheduled finish, with Mehidy on 87 and Nayeem Hasan on 16. Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed expressed confidence that his side could secure its first-ever Test win against the visitors.

"We need to bat as long as possible, score consistently, and maximize our lead," he said. "When we start believing, we can come back and fight. When you don't give up, the opposition respects you." South Africa managed to bowl only five overs in the final session, and fewer than 58 overs were played throughout the day due to a rain interruption that shortened the second session. Mehidy and debutant Jaker combined for a 138-run partnership for the seventh wicket, rescuing Bangladesh from the brink of an innings defeat after they resumed at 101-3, trailing South Africa's first-innings lead of 202 runs. Jaker was eventually dismissed lbw by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for 58.

"Bangladesh performed exceptionally well today. The conditions improved slightly with a used ball," Maharaj noted. "But I believe we're still in a strong position. Bangladesh has a lead, and we have three more wickets to take. We can restrict them as much as possible, but I still feel we'll be in control." In the morning, South African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada capitalized on overcast conditions to claim two wickets in three balls during the fifth over. Mahmudul Hasan Joy departed after scoring 40 when his attempted drive resulted in a thick edge to first slip, where David Bedingham took the catch. Rabada's fourth wicket of the innings came shortly after as he bowled Mushfiqur Rahim, who made 33, with a full delivery that hit the middle stump. Wicketkeeper Litton Das followed for just seven as he edged a sharply turning delivery from Maharaj to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, and the dismissal was confirmed via review after an initial lbw appeal.

South Africa scored 308 in their first innings, powered by Verreynne's second Test century, in response to Bangladesh's 106 all out on the first day. Bangladesh has yet to secure a Test win against South Africa. The second and final match of the series is set to begin on October 29 in Chattogram.

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