SA v BAN, 1st Test Preview: Bangladesh high on confidence as they combat the mighty Proteas

Bangladesh has been playing some terrific off-late, but to lock horns with the might South Africans in their backyard is a different ball game altogether. With opener Tamim Iqbal and all-rounder Shakib-Al-Hasan showing mind-boggling consistency, they emerged as a competitive side, crucifying the minnows status which they had previously.

The visitors will be entering the battlefield without their stalwart Shakib as he has been granted a break. Soumya Sarkar’s involvement in the game too looks doubtful and this might pave way for Imrul Kayes to come in. Nevertheless, skipper Mushfiqur Rahim believes their side has enough potential to compete against this South African unit.

This series will be Ottis Gibson’s first assignment as the head coach of South Africa. The Caribbean was roped a few weeks ago to take up the coveted job and straight away, he asked for all his players to be available for this series. South Africa look too strong, especially their bowling department. It’ll not be surprising if the hosts run away with the contest, but they can disregard or undermine their opponents at their own peril.

Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field

Playing XI:

Bangladesh: Imrul Kayes, Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim(w/c), Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Duanne Olivier

Debutants: Aiden Markram and Andile Phehlukwayo

Focus will be on

Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Hashim Amla is elegance personified and no matter what format he plays, he’s a major threat to reckon with. The 34-year-old is the mainstay in the batting order and with AB de Villiers missing out yet again, the pressure has mounted on him and the skipper Faf du Plessis to perform well. Whenever he gets going, Amla wins the game for his side and his record against Bangladesh has brilliant as well, which comes in as a huge challenge for the visitors.

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)

How brilliant has Tamim Iqbal been in the last few months! He was one of the key catalysts behind his country’s meteoric rise in International cricket and he already has a legendary status back home. On these difficult batting conditions against one of the best fast bowling trios, Iqbal will have to keep his composure and play a big knock. Though he’s not the skipper, it’s his responsibility to lead from the front in the batting department.

Playing Combinations

South Africa

Dean Elgar, who recently was given a chance to lead the national side in England, will be opening alongside Aiden Markram. Hashim Amla will take up the important number 3 spot with Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis, Theunis de Bruyn and Quinton de Kock comprising the middle order.

It’ll be interesting to see who gets a place in the final XI between Andile Phehlukwayo and Duanne Olivier. Olivier looks the favorite as of now and he might be accompanying Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada in the fast bowling department. Keshav Maharaj will take care of the spin department whilst Theunis de Bruyn will be their extra bowling option.

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal as always will be at the helm but this time, he might be opening the batting with Imrul Kayes. Liton Das will be taking the number 3 spot in the side with Mominul Haque at 4. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah’s experience will be vital in the middle order and it’ll be interesting to see how Mehedi Hassan can bat on these tracks.

Mustafizur Rahman will face one of the biggest challenges of his life and it’ll be interesting to see how he fares in South Africa alongside his fast bowling companions Taskin Ahmed and Shafiul Islam. Spinners Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Mahmudullah will not find it easy to grip the ball, but they are quite a threat considering the variety they offer.

StatAttack

8 – Out of the 10 Tests these countries played against each other, South Africa won 8 and the other two were draws.

13 – If Kagiso Rabada gets thirteen wickets in this game, he’ll become the third fastest South African to pick up 100 Test wickets, behind Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn.

153 – Tamim Iqbal needs 153 more runs to become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to score 4,000 Test runs.