It was a tough pill to swallow for the South Africans, especially after two strong performances earlier in the series. But Hasan had other ideas. Coming in at number 10, he played a gutsy knock of 42 runs that helped rescue his side from a precarious position and push their total to 225. It wasn’t a massive score by any means, but it turned out to be more than enough. Hasan then returned with the ball to take a brilliant four for 26, dismantling the South African chase and securing the series 2-1 for the hosts.

Dian Forrester. Photo: BCB

The visitors had started well after winning the toss and choosing to bowl. They made early inroads with Tiaan van Vuuren striking twice, including the wicket of opener Chowdhury Rizwan for a duck. Rayhan Rahman and Ariful Islam couldn’t contribute much either, and the hosts found themselves struggling at 63 for four.

Tshepo Ndwandwa then turned up the heat with his spin, grabbing three wickets including that of Akbar Ali, who looked dangerous on 38. When Wasi Siddiquee was run out without scoring, Bangladesh were reeling on 118 for eight. But just when it seemed like South Africa were about to wrap things up, Hasan and Mahfuzur Rabby – who top-scored with a composed 58 – came together for a match-changing 84-run stand for the ninth wicket. That partnership shifted the momentum back in Bangladesh’s favour.

Emerging Bangladesh vs Emerging SA. Photo: BCB

Chasing 226, South Africa got off to a shaky start. Meeka-eel Prince and Richard Seletswane fell cheaply, though captain George van Heerden fought hard for his 34. Andile Mokgakane looked promising again with 35, but couldn’t convert it into a match-winning innings. A mini-collapse followed, with three quick wickets, including the big ones of Dian Forrester and Connor Esterhuizen.

Van Vuuren with 40, Mokoena with 37 and Tshepo Ntuli with 17 tried to keep the chase alive, but the damage was done. South Africa were bowled out for 191 in just under 39 overs.

The focus now shifts to the longer format, with the first of two unofficial Tests starting in Chattogram on Sunday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg