Morkel, centre, is congratulated by AB De Villiers and Mark Boucher

South Africa's Morne Morkel claimed a maiden five-wicket haul but the first Test against Bangladesh looked even after 14 wickets fell on day one.

Despite losing the toss, South Africa made a flying start with the ball, Dale Steyn removing both openers early.

Aftab Ahmed (44) and Saqibul Hasan (30) put on 70 before Morkel (5-50) returned to mop up the hosts for 192.

Shahadat Hossain and Mohammad Rafique took two wickets apiece late on to reduce the tourists to 76-4 by stumps.

It ensured the game remains firmly in the balance as the South Africa batsmen failed to come to terms with an unfriendly pitch.

Shahadat found good swing and seam in removing openers Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie with just 19 on the board.

Rafique produced two excellent off-breaks to end a brief partnership between Hashim Amla (25) and Jacques Kallis (17).

Earlier, Morkel combined with Steyn (3-27) and spinner Johan Botha (2-57) as South Africa swept through the home batting line-up.

Ahmed and Saqibul were well supported by a typically aggressive innings from skipper Mohammad Ashraful, whose 34 came off just 27 balls.