DHAKA: The complete morning session of the fourth day’s play in the first test between Bangladesh and South Africa was washed out because of heavy showers on Friday.

Regarding the start of fourth day play, BCB officials said that it has been raining since last night and it is intense since morning. Any decision about starting play is yet to be taken. Rain perhaps will decide the fate of the match.

Proteas were 61 for 0 & 248 trail Bangladesh 326 (Mahmudullah 67, Liton 50, Steyn 3-78) by 17 runs at stumps on the third day on Thursday.

In their second innings, South Africa scored 60 runs after 21.1 overs at stumps on day-3 trailing by just 17 runs with 10 wickets remaining at Zahur Ahmed Stadium.

Earlier, tigers reached 326-run losing all wickets after 116.1-over in response to 248 runs Proteas scored in their first innings. Liton Das scored his maiden half century while Mohammad Shahid hit a brisk 25 off 19-ball with the help of four 4’s and one 6.

South Africa tugged. Bangladesh tugged. Rain tugged. Repeat. This leaves the first Test evenly poised. And rain has had the first say on the fourth day, reports espncricinfo.com.

The rain is intense. Heavy puddles of water on the covers. The forecast for the rest of the day is also bleak, it added.

Patenga meteorological department assistant meteorologist Abdul Hamid said 212 mm rain had been recorded in last 24 hours. More rains are expected to lash the region due to active monsoon winds.

Bangladesh Team

Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim*, Litton Das†, Jubair Hossain, Mohammad Shahid, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

South Africa Team

D Elgar, S van Zyl, HM Amla*, F du Plessis, T Bavuma, Q de Kock†, JP Duminy, VD Philander, DW Steyn, SR Harmer, M Morkel

BDST: 1138 HRS, JULY 24, 2015
RS

** Rain delays start of 4th day