Bangladesh v South Africa, 2015

At Chittagong, July 21-25, 2015. Drawn. Toss: South Africa. Test debut: Mustafizur Rahman.

South Africa's first Test for six months was intriguingly poised heading into the fourth day. The world's No. 1 team had started rustily, before fighting their way back to parity, only for the monsoon to wipe out the last two days. A draw at least allowed Bangladesh to end their 100% losing record against South Africa but, given their position in the match, they might have hoped for better.

Bangladesh's early approach with the ball had been optimistic and overly aggressive: with South Africa 104 for one at lunch, Amla's decision to bat looked a good one. However, Bangladesh changed tack and bowled dry. Mohammad Shahid sent down seven consecutive maidens, five of them in one spell, mostly at du Plessis, whose determination to absorb the pressure did not pay off with a big score. Bangladesh's new discovery Mustafizur Rahman, a 19-year-old left-arm swinger and cutter, then tore out the middle order with three wickets in four balls: Amla became his maiden Test wicket when he edged a drive, Duminy was plumb in front, and de Kock shakily survived the hat-trick delivery, before losing his off stump to a stunning awayswinger which kept a touch low.

Mustafizur's four for 37 were the second-best by a Bangladeshi seamer on debut, after Manjural Islam's six for 81 at Bulawayo in 2000-01. Fortunately for South Africa, Bavuma did far more than just hang around: he was bustling and proactive, showing a willingness to hit the ball rather than push it. He did everything possible in the team's interests, and perished that way, too, hiting out with only the last man for company.

Bangladesh went on to claim a lead of 78, their biggest in a Test in which they had batted second - but it could have been much more. Tamim Iqbal missed a full toss from Elgar's occasional left-arm spin on 57, and Shakib Al Hasan's slog off Harmer high to midwicket was grim. Tamim, who had brushed shoulders with Rilee Rossouw in the one day series, became wrapped up in a similar altercation with de Kock who, after being restrained by his captain, was fined 75% of his match fee. In the stands, two young spectators were detained by security services for shouting racial obscenities at the South African players.

When Bangladesh reached 179 for four at the close of day two, South Africa were under real pressure, but Steyn finally discovered some rhythm next morning, and the last six fell for 131. Only 12 overs were possible after tea, during which South Africa's new opening pair of van Zyl and Elgar narrowed the deficit to 17 before the weather closed in.
Man of the Match: Mustafizur Rahman