Proteas end with formidable total, Tigers ready to hunt it

South Africa were bowled out for 367 on the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh at Kingsmead on Friday.

Pacer Khaled Ahmed returned his career-best figures in an innings in a Test as Bangladesh bundled out South Africa post-lunch on Day 2 of the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday.  Khaled, playing only in his fourth Test, returned figures of four for 92 in 25 overs. However, despite Khaled's exploits, South Africa ended with a formidable first-innings total of 367 all out, thanks to some lusty blows from tail-ender Simon Harmer at the death. It got frustrating for the Tigers near the end as Harmer starred in crucial stands of 34 and 35 runs with Lizaad Williams and Duanne Olivier for the last two wickets respectively. The hosts' innings came to an end when Olivier was trapped in front by Mehedi Hasan Miraz, who ended with impressive figures of three for 94 in 40 overs that featured eight maidens.  Khaled, in for injured Shoriful Islam, has really capitalised on the opportunity as he produced a brilliant display of fast bowling. Even though he leaked runs at times, the 29-year-old's pace, swing and precision had batters' edge beaten on a number of occasions throughout the game. The right-arm pacer, who had only one wicket to show for from his previous three Tests, scalped three Protea wickets alone on Friday. 

It was his successive wickets – those of Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder – in the morning session that saw Bangladesh pile up the pressure on the hosts. Khaled got his fourth wicket just after returning from the lunch break when he had induced the edge off the willow of Lizaad Williams and Mahmudul Hasan Joy took yet another stunning catch at gully.  Bangladesh had dominated from the beginning of play on the second day of the Test. After the Tigers had scalped four in the morning session and had reduced South Africa to 314 for eight before lunch, the Proteas only looked to score as many runs as possible since returning from the break.  Harmer succeeded in that regard as the right-hander was able to smash a few boundaries and score some quick boundaries to help South Africa amass a formidable first-innings total. Harmer remained unbeaten on 38 off 73 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and a maximum.  Meanwhile, it was, however, Temba Bavuma's 93, skipper Dean Elgar's 67 alongside Sarel Erwee's 41 that contributed to South Africa's score.   

Khaled Ahmed takes 4 for 92