Michael Cohen ripped through the heart of Bangladesh’s batting lineup to bring the South Africa Invitation XI back into the match on day one of their three-day clash.
After being pegged back at 92-2, Bangladesh built a a total through Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim, who struck a 119-run partnership before a brilliant bowling display by SA U19 quick, Cohen.
The ex-Reddam student bowled beautifully to break the Bangladeshi momentum, taking 4-23 in 11 overs, sparked by a brace to send Mominul and Mahmudullah packing for 68 and a duck respectively; this set the visitors back at 211-4.
The 19-year-old left-arm quick then took a double in the 50th over, taking out captain Mushfiqur (63) and Liton Das (0), as Bangladesh struggled to push on, the visitors creeping to 220.
Sabbir Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz sparked a Bangladeshi recovery with a 52-run stand, but their efforts were ended by Tladi Bokako, wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen taking the catch to see Mehidy out for 18.
Sabbir went on to reach his half-century as Bangladesh held their nerve, declaring on 306-7 by the end of their innings.
SA reached 21 in their reply by stumps for the loss of SA Emerging batsman Isaac Dikgale, run out for 12.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
