In a hazy Dhaka on Monday, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and chose to bat first in the highly anticipated first Test against South Africa. This decision reflects the team’s strategy to build a solid first-innings score on a pitch that may assist spinners as the match progresses.
Notably, the Bangladesh team will see Jaker Ali making his Test debut, stepping in for the veteran allrounder Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib was unable to join the team in Dhaka after traveling from New York earlier in the week, and subsequently, he was unavailable for what was expected to be his farewell test match. His absence is a significant blow for the team, given his experience and contributions over the years.
South Africa, on the other hand, has introduced wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Breetzke to their lineup for his Test debut. The visitors are missing their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, who is sidelined due to an elbow injury. In his absence, Aiden Markram assumes the captaincy, tasked with leading the team in a crucial match against Bangladesh.
Both teams have fielded strong bowling attacks, with Bangladesh opting for a spin-heavy lineup featuring Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, and a single pace option in Hasan Mahmud. In contrast, South Africa has chosen a balanced attack with two spinners—Keshav Maharaj and Dane Piedt—alongside pace bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder.
The form of both teams heading into the match offers an intriguing backdrop. Bangladesh comes off a disappointing 2-0 loss in a recent series against India, while South Africa will be buoyed by their recent success, having secured a 1-0 victory in a two-Test series against the West Indies. This match presents an opportunity for both teams to gain momentum and improve their standings in international cricket.
Lineups:
Bangladesh:
- Shadman Islam
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Litton Das (wicketkeeper)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Jaker Ali
- Nayeem Hasan
- Taijul Islam
- Hasan Mahmud
South Africa:
- Aiden Markram (captain)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Bedingham
- Ryan Rickelton
- Matthew Breetzke
- Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper)
- Wiaan Mulder
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Dane Piedt
As the match unfolds, both teams will be keen to capitalize on their respective strengths. Bangladesh will look to make the most of their home advantage, while South Africa aims to leverage their pace attack and spin options to unsettle the Bangladeshi batters. The outcome of this Test could significantly influence both teams’ future performances as they continue to build toward their respective goals in international cricket.
With the match now underway, cricket fans eagerly anticipate an exciting contest between the two teams, highlighting the evolving narratives of both the Bangladesh and South African sides.