Bangladesh vs South Africa 2nd Test: Preview and Predictions

The hosts looking to salvage the series

After a disappointing first Test, it’s hosts Bangladesh on the back foot as they will be looking to tie the Test series against South Africa in a desperate attempt to not lose a home series to the Proteas. 

Ahead of the second Test in Chattogram, here’s our match preview and predictions.

Bangladesh vs South Africa 2nd Test | South Africa tour of Bangladesh 2024 | 09:30 IST, October 29

The hosts had chosen to bat first in Mirpur, but it was a shocking performance from Shanto’s team as barring Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s 30, not a single batter crossed the 20 run mark, which saw Bangladesh get bundled out for 106. Taijul Islam and Hasan Mahmud were amongst the wickets when the Bangladesh squad got on the field with the ball, but they were made to toil, conceding a big 202-run lead. Rear-guard action from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who missed out on a century by three runs and a fighting 58 from Jaker Ali saw Bangladesh avoid another collapse, as they managed to get to 308 but it wasn’t enough as the Proteas eased to a seven wicket win, chasing 106. 

For the Proteas, they were on top of the game from Day 1 in the first test with Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder all amongst the wickets in the first innings. A brilliant century from their wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne and a fifty from Mulder helped South Africa get to 308 in their first innings before Rabada tore through the Bangladeshi lineup with a six-wicket haul to set a 106 run target which Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs saw it home. 

For the hosts, they will need their batters to step up if they want to be in the fight with all of their big names in Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das failing to get going in the opening Tests. With the ball, Bangladesh had a chance to bundle out South Africa cheaply, after getting the Proteas at 99-5 but Verreynne and Mulder took the game away from them. Mehidy Hasan’s 97 and Jaker Ali’s 58 were the only highlights for the hosts’ batting showing as they collapsed again in the second innings. 

The Chattogram strip will be another tough outing for the batters with the Proteas hoping for more of the same from their bowlers and it will be South Africa holding the advantage and should take the series 2-0.

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

Venue: Chattogram

Winners Prediction: South Africa