The opener became the first Bangladesh batter to score a hundred against South Africa

Tea Bangladesh 257 for 7 (Mahmudul 106*, Mehidy 24*, Harmer 4-89) trail South Africa 367 by 110 runs

On a pitch that remains good for batting, albeit slow, South Africa’s attack lacked bite in the absence of an out-and-out strike bowler, and with Dean Elgar choosing not to use allrounder Wiaan Mulder at all. Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj did the bulk of the bowling – they have now sent down 37 overs each.

Lizaad Williams was the only bowler to enjoy success on the day, removing nightwatchman Taskin Ahmed in the third over of the day and Litton two balls after lunch. Yasir was run out after a major mix-up as he tried to get Mahmudul to his century.

While Williams bowled at a good pace – a shade under 140kph – Duanne Olivier remained innocuous. He was neither quick nor threatening and defaulted back to shorter lengths, which Litton was only too happy to receive. He brought out the cut and the pull before offering a chance. Litton was on 16 when Williams found his outside edge, but Dean Elgar put down a regulation catch at first slip.

That was the first of four missed opportunities for South Africa in the morning session, three of which denied Harmer the wicket that would have given him a five-fer. Mahmudul, on 64, was dropped at short leg by Sarel Erwee. Litton Das, given out caught behind on 29, reviewed immediately and Ultra Edge showed a flat line.

Mahmudul was particularly severe on Harmer, who bowled quicker and fuller than on the second day. Mahmudul’s fifty came up off 170 balls, when he drove Harmer straight down the ground and he went on to dance down the track and launch him over wide long-on. Litton was also positive in his approach against Harmer and it nearly cost him when he appeared to inside-edge a delivery to Erwee at short-leg and South Africa celebrated only to see Marais Erasmus unmoved. They reviewed, unsuccessfully.

Litton and Mahmudul were in a good position to build together after the lunch break but Williams beat Litton’s inside edge and bowled him, with four deliveries to go before the new ball was due. South Africa took it four deliveries after it became available and Williams and Olivier shared it. They both offered width and Yasir took advantage. He was with Mahmudul when he moved to 90, clipped Olivier through mid-wicket and took a single before rejecting the second run. Yasir did not hear him in time and ended up almost at the non-striker’s end when Ryan Rickleton’s throw reached Kyle Verreynne, who ran him out.

Mahmudul slashed Harmer through slip and gully to reach 95, then flicked Harmer for a single, and in the next over from Maharaj scored a brace of twos to get to his century. He celebrated with an air punch and a leap as the Bangladesh change room rose to their feet in celebration.