Keshav Maharaj reckons South Africa is ahead despite Mehidy-Jaker's stand | South Africa tour of Bangladesh, 2024

Bangladesh found themselves in trouble at 112/6 after Litton Das returned to the hall for the seventh over. Debutant Jaker Ali then joined Mehidy Hasan in the middle. They picked up the pressure and scored 138 for the seventh wicket from 245 deliveries to drag their side back into the competition. Mehidy is still unbeaten on 87 and is closing in on his second Test ton, while Jaker reached 58.

This gives Bangladesh an 81-run lead but South African spinner Keshav Maharaj believes South Africa have the edge in the game.

“Yeah, obviously Bangladesh did really well today. If I'm honest, the conditions have gotten a little better, with a slightly used ball. But I think we're still ahead. Obviously Bangladesh have a lead and so do we.” “I still have three wickets to go,” Maharaj said at the end of the third day of the first Test in Dhaka.

“So obviously if we can limit them as much as possible, but I still think we'll be in the box seat considering the good job we did with the batsmen in our first innings.”

“I think yesterday was probably the day we did a bit of searching, if I'm honest. And then we got the three wickets and I think Mehidy and Jaker Ali played really well. I don't think we've taken our foot off the gas. I think they played really well and in that situation you have to give credit to the batsmen.

“I think when I first saw the wicket it seemed very similar to our Durban wicket that we play on at Kingsmead. With a bit of moisture in the air and the constant rolling it's gotten a bit better, especially when the shine falls off the ball.

“Look, ideally we would like to limit Bangladesh to 100 or less, but it is important that we start well in the morning and then assess from there.”

The weather doesn't look promising for the rest of the test match either. But Bangladesh bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed hopes his team can bounce back and win the game like they did in the series against Pakistan where they were reduced to 26/6.

“Why not? I was just talking about 26/6 (against Pakistan in the second Test match). From then on, if you win a Test match, it gives you belief. First and foremost, it comes from us, the coaching staff. Then of course.” “The players are starting to believe that,” he said.

“I think you have to believe in every situation. When everyone started believing that we could win the game or come back from any situation, it's always a great environment, especially when you have that kind of opposition.”

Mushtaq also urged fans to give newly appointed head coach Phil Simmons some time to get used to the game. “Phil is a very relaxed guy. I think he believes in the environment. He's a good man. I started working with him.” “For the first time I think he is a good man,” Mushtaq said.

“When you take over a team and start making decisions, you know it's going to take some time. I think he might need a few series to understand the culture and mindset. The seniors play a big role.” . Most coaches give him support.

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