Towhid Hridoy’s century puts Bangladesh in control against South Africa

Litton Das nears hundred after Rabada claims five wickets on day-1 of the first Test in Johannesburg

Towhid Hridoy struck a superb century and Litton Das closed in on three figures as Bangladesh recovered from an early collapse to reach 327-6 on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

Hridoy scored a patient 137 off 227 deliveries, including 14 fours and a six, while Litton remained unbeaten on 92 as the visitors made steady progress after losing three wickets for just 22 runs.

South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada caused early damage, claiming five wickets to reduce Bangladesh to 121-5 before Hridoy and Litton combined in a crucial sixth-wicket partnership.

The pair added 206 runs to rescue the innings and put Bangladesh in a strong position at the close of play.

Hridoy, who came to the crease after the early dismissal of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, showed considerable composure against South Africa's pace attack, reaching his second Test hundred from 194 deliveries.

His innings ended in the final over of the day when he was dismissed by Marco Jansen for 137, but not before helping Bangladesh recover from a difficult position.

Litton provided valuable support at the other end, reaching his half-century from 71 balls and finishing the day just eight runs short of his eighth century. He struck 12 boundaries in his unbeaten 92.

Earlier, Rabada made an immediate impact after Bangladesh elected to bat, dismissing Mahfijul Islam for a first-ball duck before removing Mominul Haque and Shanto to leave the visitors struggling.

Tanzid Hasan offered some resistance with 67 from 108 balls, including 12 boundaries, before becoming Rabada's fourth victim.

However, Hridoy and Litton turned the contest around with their determined batting, frustrating the home attack through the afternoon and evening sessions.

Rabada finished the day with figures of 5-51 from 17 overs, while Jansen took one wicket for 54 runs.

Bangladesh will look to build on their recovery when play resumes on Monday, with Litton aiming to complete a century and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain still to bat.