Elgar (left) and van Zyl (right) put South Africa in a solid position at the end of the third day

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

After two days on the defensive, South Africa finally launched their counter-attack on the third day of the first Test in Chittagong as they chipped away at the lead Bangladesh had built.

Starting off the day on 179/4, Bangladesh wicketkeeper Liton Das was the only batsman to make a major contribution as he scored 50 off 102 balls, which included seven boundaries. The only other batsman who had an impact was Shakib Al Hasan as he scored 47. As a result, Bangladesh were bowled out for 326, which only gave them a 78-run lead.

Das looks up to the heavens after bringing up his maiden Test half-century

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Dale Steyn and Simon Harmer were the pick of the bowlers with three wickets apiece, while Vernon Philander snapped up two and Stiaan van Zyl and Dean Elgar claimed one wicket each.

Trailing by 78 runs, South Africa got off to an excellent start as van Zyl and Elgar amassed an unbeaten 61-run partnership before bad light brought play to an end earlier than expected.

Van Zyl finished on 33 off 71 balls, which included four boundaries, while Elgar remained unbeaten on 28 off 56 deliveries, which included four boundaries as well.

South Africa ended day three on 61/0 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 04:00 GMT.