South Africa vs Bangladesh, 1st Test: Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

South Africa will take on Bangladesh on home soil in a short two-match Test series, that will commence on 31st March 2022. The Dean Elgar-led side will be without several of their regular Test players. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, and Rassie van der Dussen have all chosen to play the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead of turning up in the South African whites.

In their previous Test series at home, a full-strength South African side beat India 2-1. But now, it remains to be seen how South Africa will perform with a second-string squad for the series against Bangladesh. Bangladesh last played Test cricket in January 2021 against New Zealand. The two-match Test series resulted in a 1-1 draw.

The Bangladesh side will field a full-strength squad against the Proteas. Bangladesh emerged triumphant in the three-match ODI series that preceded the Test series and beat the Proteas 2-1. Can they come out on top against a South African side sans their regulars?

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Durban will have a lot of juice in it for the pacers. The ball will nip around, and run-scoring might not be easy. Having said that, the pitch will become better as the match goes on, and batters should play the waiting game.

Playing Combinations for South Africa vs Bangladesh

South Africa

With a number of their first-choice players missing, the likes of Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, and Lizaad Williams will get a chance to showcase their worth in the playing XI. Skipper Dean Elgar, Keegan Petersen, and Temba Bavuma will be the players who will be the pillars of the South African batting lineup.

While Kyle Verreynne will perform the wicket-keeping duties, Keshav Maharaj’s experience will come in handy. Duanne Olivier, Lutho Sipamla, and Lizaad Williams will complete the lineup.

Predicted XI: Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Duanne Olivier, Lutho Sipamla, Lizaad Williams

Bangladesh

The Bangladesh side has a lot of experience, with the likes of Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim having played international cricket for a decade and a half. Najmul Hossain will open with Iqbal, while skipper Mominul Haque will walk in at No.3. Liton Das will wear the wicketkeeping gloves. One out of Abu Jayed or Taijul Islam will feature in the playing XI, while Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and Shoriful Islam will form the bowling attack.

Predicted XI: Tamim Iqbal, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (wk), Yasir Ali , Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed/ Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam

South Africa vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head

Matches- 12, South Africa – 10, Bangladesh – 0, Draw – 2

South Africa vs Bangladesh Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 01:30 PM IST

TV – Sony Sports Network

Live Streaming – SonyLiv