Steyn's pace was too much for the fragile Bangladesh batting line-up

Fast bowler Dale Steyn took 5-57 as South Africa wrapped up an easy victory over Bangladesh on day four of the first Test at Bloemfontein.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 159 despite Mehrab Hossain's 43 not out to lose by an innings and 129 runs.

After only 19 overs were possible on day three because of rain, the weather lifted to allow a prompt start.

And Bangladesh lost their last seven wickets for 92 runs as Steyn took five in an innings for the ninth time.

"It was Dale's first Test in a long time. He had some good spells and will only get stronger and stronger," captain Graeme Smith commented.

South Africa have won all seven Test meetings between the two sides, six of them by an innings.

And it was merely a question of how long Bangladesh could prolong the game after losing three wickets for one run soon after the start of play.

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The following over saw Shakib Al Hasan edge Steyn to the keeper and depart for a third-ball duck - but that was one delivery more than Mushfiqur Rahim faced as he was run out by Ashwell Prince after being called for a quick single by partner Mehrab.

Naeem Islam was next go for three, caught behind off a magnificent away-swinger from Steyn, who then removed Mashrafe Mortaza's off stump to send him back to the pavilion with only six to his name.

South Africa were held up by Mehrab and Shahadat Hossain, who restored some pride for their team by adding 44 for the ninth wicket.

But Shahadat was comprehensively bowled for 16 by a Steyn yorker after exposing his stumps by making room to try and play the ball through the off-side.

And the game came to an end when Mahbubul Alam, having been shaken up by a Jacques Kallis delivery into his midriff, lofted the all-rounder's next ball straight to mid-on where Prince took the catch.

Reflecting on defeat, Ashraful rejected suggestions that some of Bangladesh's batsmen had given up their wickets too easily because of poor shot-selection.

"It might appear that way, but in Test cricket you have to score runs," he said.

"The wicket was good but it had a bit of bounce and the batsmen couldn't apply themselves."

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