Bangladesh fight back after Rabada five-for to leave first Test evenly poised

Towhid Hridoy led the recovery with a patient 137, while Litton Das remained unbeaten on 92 as the visitors built a strong platform after winning the toss and choosing to bat first.

Kagiso Rabada was the standout for South Africa, claiming five wickets for 51 runs, including a devastating double-wicket over that left Bangladesh reeling. Marco Jansen struck late in the day to remove Hridoy, ensuring the hosts finished with something to show for their efforts.

Debutant opener Mahfijul Islam lasted just one ball, caught behind off Rabada and Mominul Haque followed soon after for a seven-ball duck, also falling to the South African spearhead. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto managed 12 before Rabada bowled him, leaving Bangladesh in early trouble.

Tanzid Hasan provided resistance with a fluent 67, but Rabada's fifth-wicket burst proved decisive. He dismissed Tanzid and then Mushfiqur Rahim for a golden duck in successive deliveries, reducing Bangladesh to 121 for 5.

From there, Hridoy and Litton Das staged an excellent recovery, with the pair adding 206 runs for the sixth wicket and showing composure on a Wanderers surface that already offered variable bounce.

Hridoy's 137 came from 227 balls and included 14 fours and a six, while Litton's unbeaten 92 featured 12 boundaries.

Jansen finally broke the stand when he trapped Hridoy lbw late in the day, leaving Bangladesh 327 for 6 with Litton still at the crease.

Rabada's 5 for 51 was the clear highlight for the home side and Jansen finished with 1 for 54, while Dane Paterson, Wiaan Mulder and Simon Harmer all bowled solidly without reward.

South Africa's attack of four seamers and one spinner applied consistent pressure, but Bangladesh's middle-order fightback ensured the day finished relatively evenly poised.

The Proteas, who included returns for Zubayr Hamza at No. 3 and seamer Paterson, will look to wrap up the innings quickly on Day 2 and then put pressure on Bangladesh with the bat. For the visitors, the platform is set for a competitive total if the lower order can support Litton Das.

READ MORE: Banton ton inspires England batting revival to level ODI series against Australia