DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP):

A HALF century by opener Junaid Siddique helped Bangladesh to 125 for four in their second innings, for an overall 147-run lead over South Africa after yesterday's second day of the first Test.

South Africa paceman Dale Steyn crashed through for three early wickets to reduce Bangladesh to 29 for three in their second innings, but the tourists missed some chances to make further inroads and Siddique (64 not out) kept alive the home side's chances of what would be their best Test victory.

Bangladesh put themselves in a potential winning position by bowling out South Africa for 170, thanks chiefly to paceman Shahadat Hossain, who claimed 6-27.

That gave the hosts a 22-run lead on first innings.

Responding to South Africa's poor effort with the bat in their first innings, Steyn struck in the third over by clean-bowling Tamim Iqbal (two), and then trapping both Shahriar Nafees (16) and Habibul Bashar (two) lbw.

Ntini ends stand

A 56-run fourth-wicket stand between Siddique and Mohammad Ashraful (24) came to an end when Makhaya Ntini had the Bangladesh captain caught behind by Mark Boucher. Siddique went on to make the first 50 of the match, off 127 balls, with four boundaries.

He then combined with number six Aftab Ahmed (13 not out) for an unbeaten 40 runs before the umpires stopped play due to fading light.

Earlier in the day, Hossain recorded career-best figures as South Africa's vaunted batting order collapsed.

The tourists began the day poorly, with Ashwell Prince (10) run out with just one run added to the overnight score of 76.

Johan Botha and A.B. de Villiers then added 68 runs for the sixth wicket before their partnership ended in bizarre fashion.

Ashraful brought himself on to bowl and his first delivery bounced twice to De Villiers, who skied an attempted pull shot, with the bowler claiming the catch.

De Villiers (46) stood his ground, doubting the legitimacy of a delivery that bounced twice, but was eventually given out by umpire Steve Bucknor. The laws of cricket show a delivery can bounce twice and be fair, but if it bounces three times or rolls, it is a no ball.

Hossain then claimed the first of his four wickets for the day by trapping Botha (25) lbw.

His second came on the last ball before lunch, with Morne Morkel (one) caught behind by wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim.

Hossain quickly ended the South Africa innings, removing both Boucher (11) and Steyn (seven) lbw.