Bangladesh was fighting to avoid an innings defeat after Kyle Verreynne’s outstanding century and early breakthroughs left them in a precarious position on the second day of their first Test against South Africa at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

The hosts were still trailing by 101 runs in their second innings, with Mahmudul Hasan (38) and Mushfiqur Rahim (31) unbeaten when play was halted due to bad light, 30 minutes before the scheduled end for the second consecutive day. After conceding 308 runs in the first innings—200 of which came from the last four pairs—Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque fell quickly again, this time to Kagiso Rabada.

Shadman was caught at short leg, while Mominul mishandled a length delivery that bounced unexpectedly, leaving them with a combined total of just five runs in the match.

Mahmudul Hasan emerged as Bangladesh's most composed batter, forming the hosts’ first fifty-run partnership with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Shanto was dismissed for 23, trapped lbw by a quicker delivery from Keshav Maharaj.

Earlier, Bangladesh aimed to wrap up South Africa’s innings quickly, as the visitors resumed the day at 140-6. However, Verreynne and Mulder had other ideas, establishing a record 119-run partnership for the seventh wicket—their highest against Bangladesh. Bangladesh's bowlers lacked discipline, failing to capitalize on half-chances. Verreynne and Mulder applied themselves well on a pitch that still offered assistance to bowlers, though it had eased somewhat since the first day.

Verreynne, who started the day on 18, reached his fifty off 67 balls, while Mulder achieved his first career fifty shortly after.

Hasan Mahmud finally made a breakthrough in the 24th over, striking twice in consecutive deliveries—Mulder edged one to slip, and Maharaj’s off stump was uprooted. However, Verreynne found reliable support in Dane Piedt, leading to another frustrating 66-run partnership for Bangladesh. Mehidy Hasan Miraz eventually trapped Piedt (32 off 87) in front to break that stand.

Verreynne reached his second Test century off 134 balls with a sweep shot and later declared it "definitely the best innings" of his 18-Test career. After reaching the milestone, he hit two sixes—the only two of the Proteas' innings—before being stumped by Liton off Mehidy for 114.

The visitors’ lead exceeded 200, giving them control of the match.