South Africa 453 all out vs. Bangladesh after Maharaj’s 84

Gqeberha: Tailender Keshav Maharaj hit 84 to help South Africa to 453 all out in its first innings on the second day of the second and final test against Bangladesh on Saturday.

Maharaj played with attacking intent after the home team had been 278-5 overnight. He hit nine fours and three sixes in his fourth test half-century, pushing South Africa to a strong total at St. George’s Park.

Spinner Taijul Islam collected 6-135 for Bangladesh and seamer Khaled Ahmed picked up 3-100, but the tourists are behind in their quest to level the series.

Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder (33) added 81 for the seventh wicket and Maharaj’s spin-bowling partner Simon Harmer made 29 to contribute more runs from the South African tail.

Maharaj eventually fell for his highest test score when he was bowled by Taijul. His 84 came off just 95 balls.

Maharaj’s batting in Gqeberha followed up his figures of 7-32 in the first test in Durban, which helped South Africa bowl Bangladesh out for 53 to win by 220 runs.