Firdose Moonda, South Africa Correspondent, ESPNcricinfo October 29, 2024, 4:02am
South Africa opts to bat against Bangladesh
Bangladesh debuted a new wicketkeeper in Mahidul Islam Ankhon, who joined the team on the eve of the match, with a line-up that made three changes from last week’s loss to South Africa. Experienced gloveman Litton Das was forced to miss the match due to fever.
He also had to fill in for Jakar Ali, who suffered a concussion during practice. They included Zakir Hasan, who scored his debut century in the second innings at this very venue. Bangladesh also changed tactics, removing off-spinner Naeem Hasan and replacing him with seamer Nahid Rana, an indication of how the hosts expected the surface to play.
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South Africa also introduced an additional quickie, Dane Patterson, in place of Dane Peat, but left two spin options up front. Left-arm all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy was chosen to replace specialist batsman Matthew Bleekse. Muthusamy has played three Tests, most recently at home against West Indies in March 2023.
On paper, South Africa will be a more balanced team than the team that won in Mirpur, where they had just four bowling options. This eleven has five players, including a three-seamer, and can still hit up to No. 8.
Stand-in captain Aiden Markram, who is taking charge in place of injured Themba Bavuma, opted to bat first on the ground on a sweltering day in Chattogram, said to be the flattest venue in the country.
While Bangladesh look to end their home season and Najmul Hossain Shanto’s final match as captain on a high note, South Africa are looking to take wickets as they aim to reach the World Test Championship (WTC) final. will be key for both teams. There are five games left in the 2023-2025 cycle and they must win at least four to qualify for next year’s road finale.
Bangladesh: 1 Mahmudul Hasan Joy, 2 Shadman Islam, 3 Mominul Haq, 4 Najmul Hossain Shant (Captain), 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Mahidul Islam (Week), 7 Mehdi Hasan Miraz, 8 Nahid Rana, 9 Zakir Hasan, 10 Taijul Islam, 11 Hasan Mahmood
South Africa: 1 Aiden Markram (captain), 2 Tony de Sorge, 3 Tristan Stubbs, 4 David Bedingham, 5 Ryan Rickelton, 6 Kyle Verrein (wk), 7 Wian Mulder, 8 Senuran Muthusamy, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada 11 Dane Patterson
