The visitors triggered two collapses to bowl South Africa out for 204 in their second innings, but have lost their way after that
Stumps Bangladesh 11 for 3 (Maharaj 2-7, Harmer 1-4) and 298 trail South Africa 367 and 204 (Elgar 64, Ebadot 3-40, Mehidy 3-85) by 262 runs
South Africa are seven wickets away from winning their first Test in Durban since 2013 and going 1-0 up in the two-match series against Bangladesh. After South Africa asked Bangladesh to complete their highest successful Test chase, and fourth-highest at Kingsmead, the new-ball bowlers, both spinners, plucked out three of the top four in just six overs to leave the visitors facing an improbable final-day task.
Bangladesh’s top-order collapse undid a fine display in the field that saw them dismiss South Africa for 204, forcing two collapses along the way. They took four wickets for 32 runs in a strangling afternoon session, in which South Africa only scored 52 runs, and then finished off strongly after tea, with five wickets for 36 runs.
Elgar continued to taunt Bangladesh and had words with Ebadot, who brought some fire to Bangladesh’s effort when Elgar drove a ball back to him and Ebadot threw the ball back at the batter in frustration. Umpire Adrian Holdstock had to ask the pair to calm down. Ebadot’s reward came against the other opener, Sarel Erwee, who worked his way to 8 off 50 balls before Ebadot beat his inside edge with a full delivery that angled in. Though Erwee indicated he had hit the ball, Bangladesh reviewed and Ultra Edge revealed no contact while ball-tracking confirmed it was going on to hit middle and leg. South Africa’s opening stand was broken on 43.
That was the only wicket to fall in the morning session, despite Bangladesh creating several more chances. Elgar was dropped off Mehidy at first slip, on 34, and dropped again at second slip, on 43. He went on to reach his half-century off 73 balls when he punched a Khaled Ahmed short ball wide of gully.
Taskin eventually removed Elgar after the break, on review after Erasmus was unmoved when Elgar was struck low on the front pad. Ball-tracking showed it was hitting the top of middle stump and Erasmus had to overturn. That was the eighth decision overturned in the game and the fifth off Erasmus.
South Africa approached the post-tea session with a clear intent to attack. They scored 47 runs in 12.5 overs, but their plan worked in Bangladesh’s favour. Mehidy removed an edgy Wiaan Mulder, who was lured into the drive and edged to slip in the third over after tea. Taskin had Maharaj trapped lbw and then Bangladesh effected the twin run-outs of Harmer, who was found short of his ground after a direct hit from deep square-leg, and Lizaad Williams. Bangladesh would have been pleased with their work despite the magnitude of the target, before it came undone in six overs at the end of the day.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s South Africa correspondent