As it Happened: Bangladesh vs South Africa, 1st Test, Day 3 at Chittagong

In reply, the hosts were rocked early at 55 for 2. Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah then stuck it out together to share an 89-run stand. Once Iqbal was dismissed for 57, Mahmudullah(67) too followed him back to the pavilion. Bangladesh were in a precarious position again at 195 for 5. Once again they were rescued by an 82-run stand between Shakib al Hasan (47) and Litton Das (50). This partnership propelled them to a lead. The hosts eventually folded up taking a 78-run lead. Both Steyn and Harmer picked up three wickets. Trailing by 78, Elgar and van Zyl shared an unbeaten 61-run stand, before the rain came down on Day 3. The deluge has continued until today and it shows no signs of stopping. It's worse for Dale Steyn who has picked up 399 Test wickets and the 400th will only come in the final match of the Test series. Mustafizur Rahman was named Man of the Match. Do join us for it, the second Test begins on the 30th July (0930 local time). Goodbye! Be safe and take care.

The South Africans were tested by fire in their first innings with the bat. The top three got starts but none kicked on. Temba Bavuma was the highest contributor with 54, to the visitors' total of 248. They were uncharacteristically bowled out within 84 overs, Mustafizur being the chief destroyer with his 4-wicket haul. Jubair Hossain too picked up three scalps, although Mohammad Shahid bowled with all his heart, holding one end up and putting the Proteas under immense pressure. He bowled seven maidens on the trot, sadly for him there were two catches dropped off his bowling and he eventually ended up wicketless.

So the storm from the Bay of Bengal has drained the life out this Test match. The final verdict is that the PLAY HAS BEEN CALLED OFF on Day 5. Being the last day, this match ends in a draw. It's a disappointing end to a very promising display by the hosts, after taking a 78-run lead in the first innings. They were well placed to stretch the Proteas to the limit.

It started raining at 0300 BST yesterday. It is 0850 BST now, the rains gods continue to show no mercy. No spectator on the ground. Neither a player. Nor an umpire. But we are here dedicatedly to cover this game for you and bring the updates. As of now, START OF DAY 5 HAS BEEN DELAYED DUE TO RAIN.

... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...

1305 IST - The official word from the middle is, PLAY HAS BEEN CALLED OFF. The rain has not eased at all and the ground has been soaked. There will b no play today even if it stops raining. Unfortunately, rain has come out on top on Day 4 of the first Test. Bangladesh will be deeply disappointed by this as they were on top. This was their chance to beat the world number 1 Test team. However, The weather has denied them. We will be back tomorrow for Day 5, it seems this will be a draw even if we get play tomorrow. Prediction is that it will be raining as well. Do join us for all the action. Until then, Goodbye and take care.

1245 IST - No news from the ground so far. The rain has not stopped, if anything, it seems to have gotten heavier. Awaiting official word regarding the match status.

1100 IST - The rain has been relentless so far and it is unlikely that there will be any play before Tea. Official update will be provided once we get that from the umpires.

On a lighter note, Neil Manthorp tweets - "I can safely safe "no play before lunch" and probably no play before tomorrow..."

Hello and a warm welcome to the fourth day of the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa at Chittagong. It is bad news as of now. RAINING HEAVILY. Covers are firmly in place. No soul in sight but we will definitely be around. Stay tuned for updates.