The stage is set for an intense cricket showdown as South Africa takes on Bangladesh in Chattogram, aiming to secure a 2-0 sweep in the series and strengthen their chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final. After a superb victory in Mirpur—South Africa’s first Test win in Asia since more than ten years—the team is eager to carry on the winning streak, whereas Bangladesh is desperate to win and return to winning ways with the presence of internal problems. The two teams are going to face a high stake game, but South Africa have an added reason to win this last away Test of the 2023-25 cycle of WTC.
South Africa and New Zealand Fight for WTC Final Berth
Competition in WTC has upped the ante after South Africa and New Zealand’s back-to-back successes. The former won the series in India recently and the latter pulled off a historic win of their own. South Africa finally got going in the series against Bangladesh, winning the first Test and proving subcontinent conditions are not so daunting after all. The WTC remains open for South Africa and New Zealand. Each and every remaining match of this cycle is all-important. In the case of South Africa, they must win here to survive because they can win no more than four of the five remaining Test matches if they expect to survive.
Bangladesh players again were found struggling while uncertainty hangs large over Bangladesh’s newly appointed leadership during these WTC matches.
Bangladesh entered the series under heavy pressure, not only because of South Africa’s form but also due to internal issues. Head coach Chandika Hathurusingha stepped down just before the series, and the absence of Shakib Al Hasan makes it even tougher for Bangladesh. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto had hinted at stepping down after less than a year in office, adding to the instability. However, Shanto’s leadership has also had some successes, such as winning the away Test series against Pakistan and a drawn series against New Zealand. If he steps out of leadership after this match, he will want to conclude on a high by delivering a win against South Africa.
In order to win the match, Bangladesh will largely depend on contributions from all the seasoned players, primarily Mominul Haque and Litton Das. The first Test was self-explanatory of team weaknesses, with neither being able to pass double figure scores. Both have to look forward to surviving South African bowling spearheaded by test veteran Kagiso Rabada’s onslaught.
Focus: Mominul’s milestone on the milestone by Kagiso Rabada against Bangladesh in Mahmudul Hasan Joy.
Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s fast-bowling stalwart, is at the heart of their attack. Having crossed the 300-wicket milestone recently, with a five-for in Asia, Rabada is fresh and fully charged for the second Test. With conditions in Chattogram expected to be less favorable for fast bowlers, he could be the defining factor here.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy is one of the bright stars for Bangladesh, having shown resilience in both innings of the first Test with 30 and 40. He also has the distinction of making a Test century against South Africa in 2022 and will look to continue that success. While he hasn’t been able to string together much good form recently, Mahmudul’s desire to contribute to his team’s batting line-up makes him important to his side’s prospects in this game.
Jaker Ali injury: Bangladesh’s Potential Team Changes
Bangladesh has lost batter Jaker Ali, who has been concussed during practice on the eve of the match, while Mahidul Islam Ankon has been summoned to replace him. The team might send in a bowler instead. Bangladesh may consider seamer Nahid Rana, who has four Test caps, whose inclusion will add experience in a department where Bangladesh has mostly lacked it. Bangladesh may play Hasan Murad, left-arm spinner, as their spin department needs a stronger addition, especially after the performance of off-spinner Nayeem Hasan in the first Test, who didn’t take a single wicket.
South Africa will be without their regular skipper, Temba Bavuma, who is managing a minor elbow injury, while Aiden Markram will continue as their stand-in skipper after guiding the team to victory in Mirpur. With Chattogram likely to be more batting-friendly, South Africa may want to add one extra specialist bowler into their XI and send down Matthew Breetzke to make way for either of the spin-bowling all-rounders in Senuran Muthusamy or one of Lungi Ngidi or Dane Paterson.
Team News: Predicted Playing XIs for the 2nd Test
Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahidul Islam Ankon/Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan/Hasan Murad, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke/Senuran Muthusamy, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada.
Chattogram Conditions: Batting-Friendly Surface Expected
This Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium pitch in Chattogram is said to be one of the flattest in Bangladesh as it saw ten scores over 500 in the 24 matches played here. The surface promises a more batter-friendly and will test bowlers’ skills to take 20 wickets to win at this venue after the bounce and spin of Mirpur. With expected high humidity and temperatures hitting the early 30s (°C), physical conditions will be a bit of a challenge for the players on both sides.
Stats, Trivia, and Players’ Views
Bangladesh has won just two out of 24 Tests played at Chattogram. Their last win here occurred in 2018 when West Indies were the opponents. The last time they batted Bangladesh to victory before that was against Zimbabwe back in 2014.
None of the South African top-seven batters have played Test cricket in Asia prior to this series except Aiden Markram, whose century in Asia has now been joined by Kyle Verreynne’s century in Mirpur.
South Africa’s stand-in captain, Aiden Markram said, “It’s completely outside of our camp, outside of our team… Whatever the Bangladesh team is going through, unfortunately, has got nothing to do with us.” Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam commented on how the off-field drama impacts players’ performances. He said, “Some can move on, while others may be affected… I personally try to keep away from these things, and stick to my job.”
Conclusion
South Africa, however, would not want Bangladesh to spoil their series win momentum on home turf. The second Test in Chattogram promises to be an exciting affair as both teams give it their all in the pursuit of different goals—South Africa in staying in the WTC race and Bangladesh in salvaging pride and stability. Whether South Africa can conquer Chattogram or Bangladesh’s resolve will do the job in an upset victory remains to be seen in the days ahead.