Cricket

Mominul Haque's gritty half-century and a crucial ninth-wicket partnership with Taijul Islam rescued Bangladesh from a precarious position on the third morning of the second Test against South Africa.After South Africa's pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, tore through Bangladesh's top order, leaving them reeling at 48 for 8, Haque and Islam combined for an 89-run stand that frustrated the Proteas.Rabada, who recently regained the top spot in the Test bowling rankings, continued his impressive form, claiming his second five-wicket haul of the series. His average of 7.78 in the series is the best among South Africans who have taken at least ten wickets.Bangladesh's collapse began with the dismissal of Mushfiqur Rahim, who gifted a catch to Tony de Zorzi at square leg for a second-ball duck. The wickets continued to fall in quick succession, with four batters dismissed within 12 balls.However, Haque and Islam showed resilience and determination, digging in to rebuild Bangladesh's innings. Haque reached his 20th Test fifty, while Islam provided valuable support with a patient 33.Their partnership frustrated South Africa's bowlers and gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. The Proteas eventually broke through when Rabada dismissed Islam, but Haque remained unbeaten on 51 at the end of the day's play.Bangladesh still trail South Africa by 144 runs, but Haque's innings and the ninth-wicket stand have given them a fighting chance of saving the Test.

Bangladesh resumed their first innings on the fourth morning of the second Test against India, with Mominul Haque leading the charge. Despite losing three wickets, Bangladesh reached lunch at 205 for 6, with Mominul unbeaten on 102.India's bowlers, led by Akash Deep and Ravichandran Ashwin, bowled with discipline, but Mominul proved to be a thorn in their side. He weathered the early storm and played with patience and determination.The pitch showed signs of improvement, with better carry, but the low bounce remained a factor. Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah tested Mominul and Mushfiqur Rahim's patience with their accurate bowling.Bumrah dismissed Mushfiqur with a sharp in-ducker that took his inside edge and clipped the off stump. Litton Das came in and played aggressively, hitting three fours off Bumrah. However, he fell to a length ball from Mohammed Siraj, which he slapped aerially to Rohit Sharma at wide mid-off.Shakib Al Hasan's stay was brief, as he was caught by Siraj off Ashwin's bowling. Ravindra Jadeja was brought on, but Mominul used his feet well and swept him for a six to reach the nineties.Mominul was given two lives, with Rishabh Pant dropping a catch at 93 and Virat Kohli dropping another at 95. He made the most of these chances and reached his century with a sweep shot.At lunch, Bangladesh were in a strong position, with Mominul anchoring the innings and Mehidy Hasan providing support. India will need to find a way to break the partnership and take control of the match.

Rishabh Pant's Witty Banter Adds Lightheartedness to India-Bangladesh TestIndia's wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, renowned for his explosive batting and lively chatter behind the stumps, brought a touch of humor to the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur on Friday.During the first day's play, Pant engaged in a playful exchange with Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque, who stands at a height of five-feet-three-inches. After Mominul failed to connect with a sweep shot, Pant jokingly appealed for leg before wicket (LBW), even though replays showed the ball had hit the bat."Isse helmet se bhi LBW lelenge," Pant was heard repeatedly saying, implying that he would appeal for LBW even if the ball hit Mominul's helmet.Pant's witty remark drew laughter from commentators and fans alike, adding to his growing collection of memorable stump mic moments.The incident occurred during the 33rd over, when Mominul attempted to sweep Ravichandran Ashwin's delivery. Ashwin initially indicated that the ball had touched the bat, but Pant's confident appeal prompted a review. Replays confirmed Ashwin's assessment, but Pant's playful banter injected a touch of lightheartedness into the tense match.Pant's stump mic antics have become a staple of Indian cricket, with his witty observations and lively chatter often going viral on social media. His ability to entertain fans while maintaining his focus on the game has made him a fan favorite.The first day's play was cut short due to bad light and heavy rain, with Bangladesh reaching 107-3 before the match was called off early.