Aggressive South Africa hold edge

South Africa A showed clear intentions of going for the win at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom, after declaring at seven wickets down on the first day after being put in to bat. Captain Jacques Rudolph was rewarded for his aggressive decision, as seamer Ethy Mbhalati got a wicket in the fifth over of Bangladesh A's innings, that of Shamsur Rahman, and South Africa finished the first day with the advantage.

Mohammad Ashraful's decision to bowl first looked like it had paid off when seamer Robiul Islam took two early wickets, reducing South Africa to 39 for 2. Ashraful then dismissed his counterpart Rudolph, and when 19-year-old seamer Kamrul Islam Rabbi trapped Farhaan Behardien lbw, the hosts were in trouble at 96 for 4.

South Africa's recovery was led by Justin Ontong and Stiaan van Zyl, who put together a 115-run fifth wicket stand. Ontong went on to get 93, and a handy 36 not out by Heino Kuhn took South Africa past the 300-run mark. They could have batted on - Kuhn and No. 9 Quinton Friend had put together the base of a partnership - but Rudolph decided to give Bangladesh a few overs before the close of play, and things worked out well for him.