Bangladesh believe they are still ahead in the first Test despite South Africa whittled down their first innings advantage to 17 at the end of third day’s play in Chittagong on Thursday.
Bangladesh’s bowlers failed to establish their authority in the second innings leaving South Africa unharmed in more than 21 overs they batted before bad light and light shower forced early stumps.
Openers Stiaan van Zyl and Dean Elgar took South Africa to 61-0 with unbeaten innings of 33 and 28 respectably that allowed the visitors to claw their way back into game.
They will be hoping to bat out the fourth day and set a reasonable target for Bangladesh that would give them a fair chance to win the game and take 1-0 in the two-match Test series.
But Bangladesh batsman Liton Das said they can still bowl out South Africa with an under-par score in the second innings and chase that down to post what would be very memorable win for them.
‘I think we are still ahead of them. It is slightly harder to score runs on this wicket,’ Liton said after third day’s play in Chittagong. ‘It may have been better had we taken 2-3 wickets early but still, I would say we are ahead.’
Liton, however, set a pre-condition for the bowlers, saying that they must bowl in good areas to put South African batsmen under pressure.
‘We have to bowl well. If we can be disciplined, it will help us,’ said Liton. ‘I would ask our bowlers to bowl wicket-to-wicket, there’s help in the wicket.
‘It would be better if we can chase 150 to 200 runs in the fourth innings.’
-With New Age input
