Dale Steyn makes history as South Africa start well against Bangladesh
Friday 31 July 2015 09:05, UK
Dale Steyn claimed his 400th Test wicket as South Africa’s bowling attack enjoyed a great day at the crease to reduce Bangladesh to 246-8 in Mirpur.
Fast bowler Steyn (3-30) and part-time off-spinner JP Duminy (3-27) led the charge, sharing six wickets on the first day of the second Test.
Bangladesh made decent progress, despite Steyn reaching the 400-wicket milestone by dismissing opener Tamim Iqbal early to leave Bangladesh 12-1.
Steyn, playing in his 80th Test, became the fastest player to reach the milestone in terms of balls bowled - with a strike-rate of 41.6 - when he removed Tamim.
The Proteas attempted to build on that promising start, but really turned the match in their favour by claiming five wickets for 92 runs in the last session.
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was the highest scorer with 65. Mominul Haque scored 40, while Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah contributed 35 each.
Fresh from a rain-hit drawn first Test, which was largely dominated by the hosts, Bangladesh were unfazed by the early dismissal of Tamim.
Imrul Kayes and Mominul Haque shared a 69-run partnership until Duminy halted their progress, dismissing the pair in consecutive overs.
Mominul, who hit six fours in his 87 balls, was undone by the extra bounce as he attempted a late cut, while Kayes misjudged the length to be hit in front.
Rahim and Mahmudullah frustrated the South African bowlers, combining for 94 runs. But the last session proved to be decisive for the visitors, whose fast bowlers found the reverse swing in the dry surface to unsettle the home batsmen.
The decline began with the dismissal of Mahmudullah, who was induced by the hint of reverse swing off Steyn. The 29-year-old attempted to flick it away, but only ended up offering a catch at short mid-wicket.
Part-time bowler Dean Elgar then dealt a massive blow, dismissing Rahim with a delivery that spun sharply to kiss the glove of the 26-year-old, before wicketkeeper Dane Vilas held on for the catch.
Rahim hit seven fours in his 125-ball 65, his first Test half-century after 11 innings.
With the bowlers getting the reverse swing, South Africa did not opt for a new ball, despite it being due after 80 overs.
Morne Morkel piled more misery on Bangladesh by removing Shakib Al Hasan before Steyn took the wicket of Mohammad Shahid.
