Shahadat (right) ripped through the South African batting line-up

Bangladesh ended day two of the first Test in the unusually strong position of 147 runs ahead of South Africa with six second-innings wickets standing.

Shahadat Hossain's career-best 6-27 helped bowl the tourists out for 170, with AB de Villers' 46 the top score.

With an advantage of 22, the Tigers were soon in trouble as Dale Steyn quickly grabbed three wickets.

But Junaid Siddique (64no) helped them to 125-4 to boost their chances of a first win against a leading nation.

Only Zimbabwe (in January 2005) have previously succumbed to Bangladesh in a Test, and their neighbours will need to perform considerably better from here on in to avoid that fate.

Ashwell Prince was run out in the second over when Saqibul Hasan threw to wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim from cover to take advantage of a mix-up.

De Villiers fell in unusual circumstances after putting on 68 with Johan Botha (25), skying a return catch to Mohammad Ashraful after the ball bounced twice before reaching him.

Siddique's second Test half-century put his side in charge in Dhaka

He initially stood his ground but the rules state the delivery is legitimate - three bounces or more are not allowed - and umpire Steve Bucknor correctly sent him on his way.

Shahadat trapped Botha lbw and then polished off the tail to put his side on top, only for Steyn to rock them.

The speedster bowled Tamim Iqbal before winning lbw verdicts against Shahriar Nafees and Habibul Bashar, although replays showed Bucknor might have erred with the latter one, which appeared to be going down leg-side.

Siddique dug in to add 56 with Ashraful, and though the skipper edged behind, the home side will be more than satisfied with the match situation.

"The game is very much on," paceman Shahadat said after play ended early because of bad light.

"There is not much pace and movement in the wicket and it will all depend on the morning session on Sunday."

De Villiers added: "The morning is very important for us. If we can keep them below 200 it would be nice to chase."