Proteas fight back against the Tigers

South Africa were 61 without loss, still 17 runs behind, as rain brought an early end to proceedings on day three of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Thursday.

The Proteas' opening batsmen Stiaan van Zyl and Dean Elgar safely negotiated 21 overs before a combination of bad light and a slight drizzle forced the players off the field and stumps were called.

Earlier the Proteas bowlers put in a far better display on the third day as they bowled the home team out for 326 after they resumed on 179 for four in the morning.

Tigers allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was one not out overnight, made his way to 47 while wicketkeeper Litton Das scored his maiden Test fifty.

Fast bowler Dale Steyn, who was one of biggest disappointments for the Proteas on day two, hit his straps on Thursday as he removed Mushfiqur Rahim early, for 28.

Spinner Simon Harmer took the wickets of Shakib and Das before Steyn came back to take the last two wickets of the innings. The champion bowler is now just one short of the magical 400 wicket mark.

Harmer toiled hard for his figures of three for 105 in 35 overs while Steyn also finished with three scalps in 22.1 overs.

The Proteas would be much happier with their efforts on day three as they are now in strong position to set themselves up to push for a victory.

The visitors were bowled out for 248 on day one.

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