Bangladesh is set to host South Africa in an exciting two-match Test series, with both teams eyeing crucial points to keep their World Test Championship (WTC) hopes alive. The series kicks off at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, followed by the second Test in Chattogram. South Africa, currently sitting fifth in the WTC standings, will be eager to strengthen their position, while Bangladesh, at seventh, face a must-win situation to stay in contention.

Match Details

• Match: Bangladesh vs South Africa, First Test
• Date & Time: October 21-25, 9:00 AM IST
• Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
• Live Streaming: FanCode app and website (India only)

Bangladesh vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record

South Africa has dominated in Test cricket against Bangladesh, leading with 12 wins in 14 matches. Bangladesh has never won a Test, with 2 draws being their best result so far.

Bangladesh wins: 0

South Africa wins: 12

Draws: 2

Last 5 Matches

• 08-Apr-2022: South Africa won by 332 runs
• 31-Mar-2022: South Africa won by 220 runs
• 06-Oct-2017: South Africa won by an innings and 254 runs
• 28-Sep-2017: South Africa won by 333 runs
• 30-Jul-2015: Match drawn

Recent Form

Bangladesh (Last 5 Matches)

• L, W, W, L, L

South Africa (Last 5 Matches)

• L, L, L, D, W

Key Players to Watch

• Bangladesh:
  • Najmul Hossain Shanto: 682 runs in last 10 matches (Avg 35.89)
  • Mominul Haque: 647 runs in last 10 matches (Avg 43.13)
  • Mehidy Hasan Miraz: 37 wickets in last 10 matches (Econ 3.1)
• South Africa:
  • Aiden Markram: 501 runs in last 6 matches (Avg 45.55)
  • Kagiso Rabada: 34 wickets in last 8 matches (Econ 3.4)
  • Keshav Maharaj: 17 wickets in last 5 matches (Econ 3.06)

Predicted Playing XI

SWOT Analysis: Bangladesh vs South Africa

Bangladesh

Strengths

• Home Conditions: Bangladesh thrives on spin-friendly pitches, with the likes of Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam leading their spin attack.
• Experienced Batting Core: Players such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Mominul Haque are well-versed in home conditions and can anchor the innings.
• Shanto’s Leadership and Form: Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has been in good form, scoring 682 runs in his last 10 matches.
• Fast Bowling Improvement: The pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana has shown promise on recent tours to India and Pakistan, adding variety to Bangladesh’s attack.

Weaknesses

• Absence of Shakib Al Hasan: Shakib’s unavailability leaves a significant void in both batting and bowling, weakening the team balance.
• Batting Inconsistency: Recent failures in the series against India highlight Bangladesh’s struggle to post competitive totals against quality attacks.
• Interim Coaching Staff: The sudden appointment of Phil Simmons as interim coach could create instability in strategy and preparation.
• Over-reliance on Spin: If the pitch does not break down as expected, Bangladesh’s over-dependence on spin could be exploited by South Africa’s batters.

Opportunities

• WTC Revival: Winning both Tests will keep Bangladesh’s faint hopes of a WTC final spot alive, adding motivation for the team.
• New Leaders Emerging: Shanto can further cement his leadership, and bowlers like Hasan Mahmud could step up in Shakib’s absence.
• Testing South Africa’s Spin Vulnerability: South Africa’s historical struggles against spin provide Bangladesh with a chance to dominate in both Tests.

Threats

• Civil Unrest Impact: Political instability and protests may distract the players and disrupt the team’s focus.
• South Africa’s Spin Strategy: South Africa’s spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Dane Piedt could neutralize Bangladesh’s batting, turning the advantage against them.
• Weather Interference: Potential showers on the first day could affect momentum and tilt the match towards the visiting side if conditions become seam-friendly.

South Africa

Strengths

• Strong Pace Attack: With Kagiso Rabada leading the attack, supported by Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder, South Africa’s seamers are capable of striking early with the new ball.
• Spin Depth: Keshav Maharaj and Dane Piedt provide a formidable spin duo, suited to Asian conditions.
• Markram’s Proficiency vs Spin: Aiden Markram is one of the few South African batters who handles spin effectively, making him vital to South Africa’s success.
• WTC Motivation: South Africa is in a better position than Bangladesh in the WTC standings, making this series crucial for their campaign.

Weaknesses

• Key Absentees: Temba Bavuma’s injury weakens the middle order, and his absence as captain puts more pressure on Markram.
• Inexperienced Middle Order: Players like Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, and Tony de Zorzi have limited Test experience, especially in challenging conditions.
• Inconsistent Batting: South Africa’s batting lineup has struggled for consistency in recent away tours, and unfamiliar conditions in Bangladesh could expose those flaws.

Opportunities

• Chance to Cement WTC Final Push: A 2-0 win in Bangladesh will put South Africa in a strong position to qualify for the WTC final with their remaining Tests at home.
• Platform for Youngsters: The absence of key players gives younger talents like Stubbs and Rickelton a chance to make their mark in Test cricket.
• Spin Practice for Upcoming Home Series: Success in spin-friendly conditions will help South Africa prepare for home matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Threats

• Spin Challenge: Bangladesh’s spinners could dominate the series, especially if the South African batters fail to adapt to the slow and turning tracks.
• Weather and Delays: Rain on the opening day could disrupt momentum and affect South Africa’s game plan, especially if they bowl first.
• Pressure on Markram’s Captaincy: Markram’s ability to lead under challenging conditions will be under scrutiny, particularly without experienced campaigners like Bavuma and de Zorzi.

Match Prediction

With South Africa’s historical dominance and a stronger lineup, they are favorites to win. However, Bangladesh’s recent wins at home show they are no pushovers. The spin-friendly conditions in Mirpur could level the playing field if bowlers like Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam perform well.

Prediction: South Africa to win, but expect a competitive match from Bangladesh.

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