The Bangladesh cricket team has arrived in South Africa, boasting their strongest squad yet, with a chance to make history by winning their first Test match on South African soil. The team has a woeful record in South Africa, having played eight Test matches across four previous tours, losing all eight matches by heavy margins. However, with a new level of belief, greater depth in their pace attack, and a significant result against one of the world's leading Test sides, Bangladesh is optimistic about their chances.
Bangladesh's recent performances have shown significant improvement, including a landmark nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin in August. This was their first-ever Test win on Australian soil and demonstrated that they are capable of producing results away from home against elite opposition. Although they suffered a home series defeat to the West Indies over the past weekend, beating Australia in their own conditions is an achievement that should not be understated.
The Bangladesh team is led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, who will need to show patience and discipline, particularly against the Proteas' formidable pace attack. Shanto will have the benefit of an experienced batting core, including Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Litton Das, who have all played important roles in Bangladesh's Test journey. Mehidy Hasan Miraz brings the experience of a player who has developed into one of the country's most influential all-rounders.
One player to keep a close eye on is Towhid Hridoy, the middle-order batter who made headlines during Bangladesh A's recent tour of South Africa, scoring an extraordinary unbeaten 350 in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A. Hridoy has since transferred his A-team level form to the Test arena, producing one of the most remarkable individual performances in Bangladesh's Test history.
Bangladesh has also placed considerable emphasis on their pace resources, with five fast-bowling options, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, and Khaled Ahmed. Mehidy and Taijul Islam provide the spin threat, a combination that suggests the selectors understand what is required to compete in South African conditions.
The presence of Malibongwe Maketa in Bangladesh's coaching set-up could also prove invaluable, as he knows the local game exceptionally well, having previously served as assistant coach of the Proteas men's team between 2017 and 2019. Maketa's experience and local insight in their dressing room is certainly an asset.
The two-Test series between Bangladesh and South Africa will take place at Wanderers Stadium from November 15-19, 2026, and SuperSport Park from November 23-27, 2026. The World No 1-ranked Proteas will rightly start as favourites, particularly on home soil, but Bangladesh should not be treated as the same vulnerable touring side that was swept aside in 2022.
Key points
- Bangladesh has a strong squad and recent performances have shown significant improvement.
- The team is led by Najmul Hossain Shanto and has an experienced batting core.
- Towhid Hridoy is a player to watch after his remarkable performances in recent matches.
