The South African summer of cricket kicks off in late September when Bangladesh arrive to face the Proteas across 3 formats. Bangladesh will play two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and end the tour with two Twenty20 Internationals. The tour starts on the 28th of September with the first Test match.
South Africa vs Bangladesh Preview
South Africa had a dismal tour of England in July and August losing the series 3-1. However over the past 12 months their Test form has been impressive with 7 wins out of 13 Tests including series wins against New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh surprised the Aussies in August with a superb 20 run win in a nail biting first Test, before losing by 7 wickets in the second Test. Over the past 12 months they have won 3 and lost 6 Tests, with just one of those wins taking place away from home.
Head to Head
South Africa is currently ranked number 2 in the world Test rankings and under new Coach, Ottis Gibson, will be looking to grab another Test series victory at home. South Africa has never lost a Test match to Bangladesh and have only lost 4 Test matches out of 22 at home in the last 10 years.
The last time Bangladesh toured South Africa was in 2008 and they lost both of these Test matches consecutively.
Top Batsmen
A number of batsmen have been in fantastic form over the last few months. For South Africa, Faf du Plessis has averaged 45 in his last 12 test matches with a highest score of 118 not out. Quinton de Kock is averaging 43 in his last 13 matches with a highest score of 104. Hashim Amla has been returning to form and has an average of 48.60 in his last 9 Test matches, even more impressive is his average at home of 63.10 for the past 6 matches.
Aiden Markram will make his debut this series and has loads of potential.
He is a high-class batsman. He is naturally aggressive and he likes to take the game forward. And he piles it on. It’s not just a 100 and out, he likes to make big runs. I would pay money to watch him bat.” Shukri Conrad, South Africa’s National Academy coach told ESPNcricinfo.
For Bangladesh, Captain Mushfiqur Rahim has an impressive average of 67.30 in his last 6 matches with a highest score of 159. Senior opener Tamim Iqbal has a highest score of 104 and an average of 40.50 in his last 9 Test matches.
Top Bowlers
South Africa will look at rising star Rabada to continue his form with a remarkable average of 24.56 in his young career and best figures of 7/112. Morne Morkel will need to lead the bowling attack as the senior bowler, since his return from injury he has an average of 26.50 with best of 4/41.
For Bangladesh, exciting young left armer Mustafizur Rahman has an impressive average of 23.47 and will enjoy the extra bounce in the South African wickets. Experienced left arm spinner, Shakib Al Hasan with an average of 29 in his last 9 Tests, might find local conditions a little less spin friendly.
Prediction
Bangladesh have caused an upset or two over the years, but if you look at their overall Test record they have won just 10 out of 102 matches with just 4 wins away from home. The Bangladesh side will be spirited but South Africa, led by captain Faf du Plessis and inspired by new coach Ottis Gibson, will be too strong and should comfortably win both Test matches.
Betting Odds
Test Match 1
- Bangladesh 13/210
- South Africa 2/7
- Draw 6/1
Please note betting odds quoted are correct at time of publication and are subject to change. View the latest cricket betting odds
Squads for South Africa vs Bangladesh Test Series
Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim(c), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Mominul Haque, Mehidy Hasan, Liton Das, Mustafizur Rahman, Taijul Islam, Shafiul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Subashis Roy
South Africa: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Duanne Olivier, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada
South Africa vs Bangladesh Tour Schedule and Fixtures
| Date | Match Details |
| Sep 28, Thu – Oct 02, Mon | South Africa vs Bangladesh, 1st Test – Senwes Park, Potchefstroom |
| Oct 06, Fri – Oct 10, Tue | South Africa vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein |
| Oct 15, Sun | South Africa vs Bangladesh, 1st ODI – Diamond Oval, Kimberley |
| Oct 18, Wed | South Africa vs Bangladesh, 2nd ODI – Boland Park, Paarl |
| Oct 22, Sun | South Africa vs Bangladesh, 3rd ODI- Buffalo Park, East London |
| Oct 26, Thu | South Africa vs Bangladesh, 1st T20I – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein |
| Oct 29, Sun | South Africa vs Bangladesh, 2nd T20I – Senwes Park, Potchefstroom |
