Bangladesh vs South Africa 1st Test: Preview and Predictions

Bangladesh look to bounce back after a disappointing series vs India

After a disappointing tour of India, Bangladesh return home and will host South Africa in a two match Test series with the home team looking to regain some form.

Before the action kicks off in Mirpur, here’s our match preview and predictions. 

Bangladesh vs South Africa 1st Test | South Africa tour of Bangladesh 2024 | 09:00 IST, October 21

Bangladesh went to India recently with a lot of confidence and got the series started in a stunning manner on the opening day of the opening Test as they had India a 144/6 with the young Hasan Mahmud running through the experienced Indian batting line-up. But like it has happened on numerous occasions, they failed to capitalise on their strong start, which saw India bounce back. 

Their captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was the only positive element from the opening test, with a fighting 82 in the second innings, while Mominul Haque’s brilliant century in Kanpur with Shadman Islam’s 50 were the only highlights in what was a disappointing batting effort. Moving back to home, Shanto will expect his batters to step up against a strong Proteas bowling up with the experienced Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim expected to take responsibility while the veteran Shakib Al Hasan misses out as he’s unavailable in his final Test series. 

The Proteas on the other hand come off the back of a red ball series win in the West Indies. The South African bowlers had a strong series and on slow and turning surfaces, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Piedt and even stand-in captain Aiden Markram will play a crucial role while the experienced Kagiso Rabada will be the lead pacer with Wiaan Mulder set to play a crucial role with the bat and ball. Temba Bavuma missing out means Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi will have more responsibility on their shoulders in conditions which are very different from the Proteas’ home conditions. 

At the Mirpur ground, we should be expecting a slow turner with the spinners set to play a crucial role while the seamers should come into play as well. Bangladesh will have the home crowd behind them and we expect Shanto’s squad to use the home advantage to their favour as it’s Bangladesh who we are backing to take the win on more favourable conditions.

Fantasy XI: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Hasan Mahmud, Dane Piedt

Venue: Mirpur

Winners Prediction: Bangladesh