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SA vs BAN Ball by Ball Commentary

37/3(13.1 ov)
Day 1Session 1
BAN won the toss and chose to bat

Commentary

0
13.1

Dane Paterson to Towhid Hridoy, no run

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No run, the batter lets the ball go outside off stump.

9:02 AM IST DRINKS! The first hour of this first Test match has completely belonged to South Africa, or should we say, Kagiso Rabada? He has absolutely breathed fire at the Bullring and has left Bangladesh in Tatters. The Asian team is 37 for 3, and all three wickets have fallen to Kagiso Rabada. The batters have had no clue to the pace. Bangladesh need Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy to build a solid partnership from here to take them out of the trouble they are in. Tanzid has looked solid while Hridoy has just joined him out in the middle. Hridoy is fresh from 242 against West Indies at home and will look to continue his heroics here as well.
End of over 138 runs
BAN: 37/3CRR: 2.85
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12.6

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Another bumper, this time over off and middle and the ball even shapes away late. Hasan manages to get his head out of the line of the ball.

0
12.5

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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That's a fiery delivery. Short and around off, angling back into the batter at around face height. Hasan does well to sway away from the line of the ball.

4
12.4

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, 4 runs

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FOUR! Oh, a leading edge now and this has also gone to the fence. Jansen goes fuller and angles it into the stumps. Hasan looks to flick it over mid-wicket but the ball shapes away and takes the leading edge, looping over backward point and skips away to the fence.

0
12.3

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Slightly fuller this time, honing it in towards the off pole. Tanzid Hasan watchfully defends.

0
12.2

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Length ball, fairly wide of the off stump and it is left alone by Hasan.

4
12.1

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, 4 runs

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FOUR! Edged away. Jansen pitches the ball fuller and just outside off. Tanzid Hasan is drawn forward and pushes at it, getting an outside edge that goes between the slip cordon and gully for a boundary.

8:57 AM IST Marco Jansen is back into the attack.
End of over 125 runs
BAN: 29/3CRR: 2.42
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11.6

Dane Paterson to Towhid Hridoy, no run

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A huge appeal for LBW, but it has been turned down. Seemed a bit too high, and South Africa don't take the review. On a good length again, slanting back in from outside off. Hridoy wanders out of his crease a bit yet again and gets trapped on the front pad. Replays suggest that the impact might have been outside off as well.

0
11.5

Dane Paterson to Towhid Hridoy, no run

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Good length around off, Hridoy walks down the pitch and cramps himself for room, and ends up fending it to the off side.

0
11.4

Dane Paterson to Towhid Hridoy, no run

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Full of a good length and outside off, Hridoy gets across and eases it into the off side.

1
11.3

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, 1 run

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Good-length delivery, around the leg stump, and Hasan works it away through square leg for a single.

4
11.2

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, 4 runs

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FOUR! Glorious from Tanzid Hasan. Full and straight, slightly overpitched Hasan leans on and shows the full face of the bat, drilling it to the left of mid off for a boundary.

0
11.1

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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On a fuller length, angled into the pads and Hasan clips it a tad uppishly to mid-wicket.

End of over 112 runs
BAN: 24/3CRR: 2.18
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0
10.6

Kagiso Rabada to Towhid Hridoy, no run

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Pitched full again, wide of the off stump and at a brisk 144 kph. Hridoy hits it straight to mid on.

2
10.5

Kagiso Rabada to Towhid Hridoy, 2 runs

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Full again, this time on the pads, and Hridoy clips it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs to get off the mark.

0
10.4

Kagiso Rabada to Towhid Hridoy, no run

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Full again and outside off, angling it away. Left alone by Hridoy.

0
10.3

Kagiso Rabada to Towhid Hridoy, no run

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Pitched a bit fuller now, just outside the line of off stump. Hridoy blocks it off the front foot.

0
10.2

Kagiso Rabada to Towhid Hridoy, no run

Hard length, over off and middle. Hridoy stands outside his crease and just defends it back onto the deck.

0
10.1

Kagiso Rabada to Towhid Hridoy, no run

Rabada serves it full and outside off, allowing the ball to move in the air. Hridoy is drawn into the drive but the ball shapes away and beats the outside edge.

End of over 100 run
BAN: 22/3CRR: 2.20
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9.6

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Maiden over for Dane Paterson here, and Bangladesh are 22/3 after the first 10 overs. Good length, in the channel and seaming away. Hasan pokes outside his off stump and the ball bounces high past the outside edge.

0
9.5

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Excellent channel from Paterson. A touch fuller of a good length, keeping it tight on off stump and just angling it away. Tanzid Hasan makes another good leave.

0
9.4

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Pitched up to the batter, in and around off stump. Hasan leans ahead and blocks it with soft hands to short extra cover.

0
9.3

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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A bit fuller in length, shaping away from around off stump. Hasan stays watchful and shoulders arms at it.

0
9.2

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Length ball, slipping it down the leg side, and Hasan fails to tickle it away.

0
9.1

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Pitched up, full and at the stumps, Tanzid Hasan watchfully defends.

End of over 90 run
BAN: 22/3CRR: 2.44
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0
8.6

Kagiso Rabada to Towhid Hridoy, no run

ballImg144.9kph

Huge shout from KG for LBW, but the umpire says 'No.' Rabada serves it on a good length and gets the ball to seam back in from just outside the off stump. Towhid Hridoy walks down the pitch to counter the movement but fails to block and gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball hits him high on the pads, and is probably going over the stumps as well. End of another productive over for Rabada.

8:45 AM IST Towhid Hridoy makes his way out to the middle.
W
8.5

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

OUT! BOWLED! Kagiso Rabada is on fire at the moment! Third wicket in no time for the speedster. Rabada goes full, angling it into the off stump line. Najmul goes for the drive but doesn't move his feet at all. He misses it, and the off stump is uprooted. What a ball from Rabada! Bangladesh are in tatters, reduced to 22 for 3 in 8.5 overs.

0
8.4

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

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Good-length ball on off, Shanto defends it back to the bowler. He almost fell over while trying to fend that out.

0
8.3

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

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On a length ball outside off, Najmul Hossain Shanto lets it go to the keeper.

0
8.2

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

ballImg142.9kph

Huge shout for LBW! Rabada goes full but on the pads, Shanto looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. South Africa appeal, but the umpire says no. It probably is going down the leg side.

0
8.1

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

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Full ball on middle, Shanto flicks it to short leg where the fielder does well to stop it.

End of over 81 run
BAN: 22/2CRR: 2.75
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7.6

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

ballImg130.7kph

Full and around off, Hasan looks to drive but gets a big inside edge onto the pads.

0
7.5

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

ballImg129.7kph

That's lovely bowling. Good length, on middle and off, angling away with some sharp bounce. Hasan has a poke at it but the ball breezes past the outside edge.

0
7.4

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

Full-ish length, on middle and leg, Tanzid Hasan looks to block but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

0
7.3

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

ballImg129.8kph

Half a shout for LBW, but it is turned down. Nagging length from Paterson, pitching it probably just outside the line of leg stump. The ball slants across the left-hander, and Tanzid plays all over it, getting pinged on the pads.

0
7.2

Dane Paterson to Tanzid Hasan, no run

Pitched fuller again, attacking that front pad. Tanzid flicks it across to mid-wicket.

1
7.1

Dane Paterson to Najmul Hossain Shanto, 1 run

ballImg131.3kph

Paterson starts with a fuller delivery, shaping it into the legs. Shanto flicks it firmly towards mid-wicket, where the fielder parries it behind and a single is taken.

8:34 AM IST An early change in the bowling. Dane Paterson comes in to replace Marco Jansen.
End of over 79 runs
BAN: 21/2CRR: 3.00
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6.6

Kagiso Rabada to Tanzid Hasan, no run

ballImg144.4kph

A dot to end, but 9 runs come off that over. Pitched full and outside off, Hasan leans on and pushes it out on the off side.

4
6.5

Kagiso Rabada to Tanzid Hasan, 4 runs

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FOUR! Tanzid Hasan joins in on the fun now. Too full again from Rabada as he goes searching for some swing, and lands it wide of the off stump. Tanzid leans across and creams it to the right of the fielder at short extra cover for four more runs.

1
6.4

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, 1 run

That's smart batting. Length ball, darted into middle and leg, and staying a tad low. Shanto hangs back before dabbing it to the right of mid-wicket for a quick single.

4
6.3

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 runs

ballImg142.7kph

FOUR! There to be driven, and Shanto puts it away with disdain. Overpitched by KG, wide of the off stump. Najmul Hossain Shanto gets on the front foot and drills the drive between mid off and extra cover for a boundary.

0
6.2

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

ballImg141.1kph

Good-length delivery, at 141.1 kph, and angled into the pads. Shanto nudges it gently in front of mid-wicket.

0
6.1

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

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Rabada hits a hard length, slanting the ball back in from outside off. Najmul Hossain Shanto smothers it across to mid-wicket.

End of over 62 runs
BAN: 12/2CRR: 2.00
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5.6

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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After a couple of bouncers, Jansen goes full and on off, Tanzid defends it to the off side.

0
5.5

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Another bouncer from Jansen! Tanzid Hasan ducks under it.

0
5.4

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Marco Jansen bowls a bouncer and on middle, Tanzid Hasan ducks under it.

0
5.3

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Full ball down the leg side, Hasan looks to flick but misses it.

2
5.2

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, 2 runs

SAFE! Jansen goes full and on middle, Tanzid looks to whip it to the leg side, but it takes the top edge. Luckily for the batter, it falls safe at deep mid-wicket, and the batters run a couple of runs.

0
5.1

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

EDGED! Good line and length from Jansen. Good length ball around off, Hasan looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and hits the pads.

End of over 51 run
BAN: 10/2CRR: 2.00
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4.6

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

Another good over comes to an end from Rabada! Full ball outside off, Shanto shoulders arms to this one. Bangladesh are 10 for 2 at the end of 5 overs.

0
4.5

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

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Back of a length ball on middle, Shanto stands tall and taps it to short leg.

0
4.4

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

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Good length ball outside off, Najmul Hossain Shanto lets it go to the keeper.

0
4.3

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

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Good length ball on middle, Shanto flicks it to square leg.

1
4.2

Kagiso Rabada to Tanzid Hasan, 1 run

Beautiful bowling from Rabada! Rabada bowls an inswinging yorker on middle, Tanzid gets his bat down in time and flicks it to the leg side for a single.

0
4.1

Kagiso Rabada to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Full ball on middle, Tanzid pushes it back to the bowler.

End of over 42 runs
BAN: 9/2CRR: 2.25
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3.6

Marco Jansen to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

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Jansen goes full this time and outside off, Shanto shoulders arms to this one as well.

0
3.5

Marco Jansen to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

On a length outside off, Najmul Hossain Shanto covers the line and lets it go to Rickelton.

2
3.4

Marco Jansen to Najmul Hossain Shanto, 2 runs

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nicely done from Rabada! Good-length ball on the leg side, Shanto flicks it to fine leg. Rabada runs across and slides to field it. Keeps it down to two.

0
3.3

Marco Jansen to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

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Good length ball on off, Najmul Hossain Shanto defends it to the off side and shouts a loud no for a run.

0
3.2

Marco Jansen to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

This was not too far from the off stump! Another shortish ball outside off from Jansen; Najmul is in two minds about whether to defend or leave it. The ball takes the upper half and rolls just past the off stump.

0
3.1

Marco Jansen to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

Jansen goes short and down the leg side, Najmul Hossain Shanto has no problems in leaving it alone.

End of over 35 runs
BAN: 7/2CRR: 2.33
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2.6

Kagiso Rabada to Tanzid Hasan, no run

Rabada goes short this time and on middle, Tanzid does well to duck under it and the keeper takes it comfortably behind the stumps.

LB
2.5

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, 1 run

Good length ball on middle and leg, Najmul looks to flick but misses. It gets hit on the thigh pad and rolls to the leg side. A leg bye taken.

0
2.4

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, no run

On a length ball outside off, Najmul lets it go to the keeper.

4
2.3

Kagiso Rabada to Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 runs

ballImg141.2kph

FOUR! Good start from Najmul Hossain Shanto! Overpitched from Rabada, Najmul takes a stride forward and drives it through the cover region for a boundary.

8:14 AM IST The first hour was always going to be a challenge with the bat, and for now, Bangladesh aren't rising up to the challenge. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto walks in with his side in some early trouble.
W
2.2

Kagiso Rabada to Mominul Haque, no run

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OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Rabada takes another, and Bangladesh are in all sorts of trouble at the moment. Mominul Haque goes for a duck, and Bangladesh are 2 for 2. Rabada goes full and around off; Mominul looks to defend, but it takes the outside edge and goes to Rickelton, who takes the easiest of catches. South Africa are breathing fire at the moment.

0
2.1

Kagiso Rabada to Mominul Haque, no run

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Wayward from Rabada! Full ball down the leg side, Mominul looks to flick but misses.

End of over 22 runs
BAN: 2/1CRR: 1.00
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1.6

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Loose shot from Tanzid Hasan! Short and outside off, Tanzid tries to cut it away but misses completely. Good start from Jansen as well.

0
1.5

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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Fullish ball from Jansen and it is outside off, Hasan shoulders arms as the ball goes to the keeper.

0
1.4

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

Good length ball outside off, Tanzid Hasan goes on his back foot and lets it go to the keeper.

0
1.3

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

On a length ball on the middle and leg stump line, Hasan looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.

2
1.2

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, 2 runs

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Tanzid Hasan and Bangladesh are off the mark. Full ball from Jansen, Tanzid flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

0
1.1

Marco Jansen to Tanzid Hasan, no run

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There’s the bounce! Jansen starts with a good-length ball around off, it bounces way more than expected, Tanzid looks to leave but gets hit on the body.

8:08 AM IST Marco Jansen to share the new ball with Kagiso Rabada.
End of over 10 run
BAN: 0/1CRR: 0.0
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0.6

Kagiso Rabada to Mominul Haque, no run

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A wicket-maiden to start the Test match! This time, Rabada goes very full and way outside off, Haque has no problem in leaving it alone.

0
0.5

Kagiso Rabada to Mominul Haque, no run

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Full ball on middle, Mominul flicks it to mid-wicket.

0
0.4

Kagiso Rabada to Mominul Haque, no run

That has done a lot off the deck! Rabada goes full and outside off, it moves away after pitching. Mominul looks to defend but misses.

0
0.3

Kagiso Rabada to Mominul Haque, no run

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On a length on off, Mominul Haque goes back on his back foot and defends it to the off side.

0
0.2

Kagiso Rabada to Mominul Haque, no run

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Another excellent delivery from Rabada! Good-length ball outside off, Mominul lets it go to the keeper.

8:04 AM IST Mominul Haque is called into action early as he walks in at number 3 for Bangladesh.
W
0.1

Kagiso Rabada to Mahfijul Islam, no run

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OUT! CAUGHT! WHAT A START! South Africa and Kagiso Rabada could not have asked for a better start to the first Test match. Kagiso Rabada starts with a full ball around off, swinging away. Mahfijul Islam looks to drive but doesn't move his feet, it takes the outside edge and goes towards gully, where Marco Jansen dives to his left for a good catch. Not a great debut for Mahfijul Islam.

8:01 AM IST Done and dusted with the pre-match proceedings, and it is now time to play. The umpires make their way out to the middle, followed by the players of South Africa. It will be the debutant Mahfijul Islam to open the innings for Bangladesh alongside Tanzid Hasan. Kagiso Rabada has the new ball in hand, and he is raring to go. Let's play...
7:54 AM IST Just a few minutes left for the action to get underway. But first, the two sets of players will line up for their respective national anthems. It will be the anthem of Bangladesh first, followed by that of South Africa.
7:56 AM IST And now, the coach of Bangladesh - Phil Simmons says that South Africa is going to be a difficult proposition, but they have had difficult times before, and they have come through. Adds that fast bowlers are looking forward to bowling here. States that Towhid Hridoy has played some special innings and hopefully he can continue his form. Further says that everybody is ready to play.
7:56 AM IST A chat with South Africa's head coach - Shukri Conrad says that it is great to be here, and here is where he started his professional coaching career. Adds that they need to make a couple of adjustments and that they are well prepared. States that it is difficult to decide whom to leave out and believes that Dane Paterson can be really effective here. Adds that Zubayr Hamza had a great domestic season. States that they had a great result against Australia, but there is still room for improvement.
7:55 AM IST PITCH REPORT - Pommie Mbangwa, Vernon Philander, and Chris Morris are there for the Pitch report. Philander says that the pitch will do a lot, and it is not a bad toss to lose. Adds that there are cracks on the wicket. Philander adds that there is grass on it and the cracks will come into play. Adds that there will be lateral movement and the bowlers can be effective by bringing the stumps into play. Pommie says that 8 mm of grass has been left. Adds that it rained yesterday but it has been dry. Chris Morris states that there is a bare patch on the pitch and bowlers like Kagiso Rabada will aim for that. Adds that there is a crack in the middle of the pitch and it can cause problems  to the left-handers. Adds that there will be movement at the start and it will be interesting to see how they go about it. Philander says that the bowlers will look to make the batters play, and they will look to bowl at the good length.
7:39 AM IST South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, Zubayr Hamza, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, and Dane Paterson.
7:41 AM IST Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Tanzid Hasan, Mahfijul Islam (On debut), Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (WK), Mominul Haque, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, and Taskin Ahmed.
7:37 AM IST The skipper of South Africa - Temba Bavuma starts by mentioning that they want to maintain their standards and challenge themselves as a team. He then adds that they too wanted to bat first, but feels that there will be something in it for the seamers early on, and the pitch will be on the slower side to begin with. Bavuma goes on to say that they have made two notable changes with Dane Paterson coming in as the extra seamer and Zubayr Hamza is back in the Test side.
7:35 AM IST The captain of Bangladesh - Najmul Hossain Shanto says that they will bat first. He says that the wicket looks dry and they can put a good score on the board. He further states that they need to be consistent and that they have prepared well in the last 2 days or so. He goes on to say that the team has been doing well and they did well at home as well, and adds that they are well prepared. On team selection, Najmul says that they have three seamers and one spinner.
7:32 AM IST TOSS - Temba Bavuma and Najmul Hossain Shanto are out there in the middle for the toss. Shanto calls correctly, and Bangladesh will BAT first.
7:11 AM IST Trial by spin or by pace? Generally, wickets in South Africa offer a lot more to the pacers than the spinners, but from what we hear, this particular deck at the Bullring has less grass cover, and with the weather being pretty hot leading into this Test, spin could definitely play a big role. It will also be interesting to see the team combinations, as both sides have a few injury concerns, and whether either team decides to play an extra spinner or not. We should get some answers pretty soon as the toss and teams sheets are coming up in a bit, stay tuned.
7:03 AM IST Howdy, folks! Hello, and a warm welcome to one and all. We are in Johannesburg for the first Test between South Africa and Bangladesh. The hosts are coming off a stunning comeback series win against the Aussies, whereas the Bangla Tigers come to South Africa wounded after having dealt a massive hit to their WTC aspirations with a home Test series loss against West Indies. Bangladesh have shown that they do prefer seamer-friendly conditions more at the moment because they do have the muscle with the ball, but the Proteas in their own backyard are simply a different challenge altogether. All in all, with WTC points on the line, every Test matters, and this series is set to be an exciting one.
6:58 AM IST ... MATCH DAY ...
5:06 AM IST Back at the Bullring - The South African summer is gathering pace, and there is plenty of international cricket coming the country's way across both the men's and women's game. Bangladesh are the latest visitors, with an all-format tour comprising two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. It all gets underway at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, and there is an added sense of occasion around the opening Test. The Bullring is set to host its first Test in more than three years, and the home crowd will be eager to welcome the longest format back to one of the country's most iconic venues. Carrying the momentum forward - South Africa's most recent Test assignment was a marquee one against Australia at home. After being handed a heavy defeat in the opening Test, the Proteas bounced back strongly to win the series 2-1. That result took them to the top of the Test rankings and has them sitting second in the World Test Championship standings, with 5 wins from 7 matches. They will be keen to carry that momentum into this series and make the most of another home assignment. Looking to get back on track - As far as Bangladesh are concerned, things have been rather different. After the high of a historic win in Australia earlier in the year, not a lot has gone their way in the Test format. They recently lost a home series 1-0 to the West Indies and will be looking to put that disappointment behind them. Bangladesh are currently 5th in the WTC standings, with 3 wins from 8 matches, and will be eager to get their campaign back on track. A tour of South Africa presents a difficult challenge, but it also gives them an opportunity to make a statement against one of the leading sides in the format. Experience meets opportunity - One of the biggest talking points is the return of Tony de Zorzi and Zubayr Hamza. De Zorzi missed the series against Australia with a hamstring injury but is back in contention after recovering. Hamza, meanwhile, gets another opportunity in the Test setup, having last featured in February 2024. Still relatively early in their Test careers, Marques Ackerman and Matthew Breetzke will be keen to establish themselves, while Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma will be central to the hosts' batting plans. Plenty of options with the ball - The biggest strength of this South African side, however, lies in its pace department. Kagiso Rabada remains the leader of the attack, while Marco Jansen offers a different challenge with his height, ability to extract bounce and left-arm angle. Anrich Nortje's much-anticipated return to the Test arena was cut short during the series against Australia, and the hosts will be hoping to get more out of him this time around. Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder and Dane Paterson provide further seam-bowling options, giving the hosts plenty of flexibility when it comes to settling on their combination. There is also an interesting selection call in the spin department. We saw during the Australia series that Simon Harmer was preferred over Keshav Maharaj when the hosts opted for just one frontline spinner. Harmer's batting credentials also worked in his favour, and he made that selection count with some valuable contributions. With both spinners available again, it will be interesting to see which way South Africa go at the Wanderers. The weight of history - South Africa and India remain the only two Test-playing nations against whom Bangladesh are yet to register a victory. They are yet to taste victory in any of their 16 meetings against these two sides, while their record in South Africa makes for equally grim reading. The Tigers have lost all eight Tests they have played in the Rainbow Nation and will be hoping to finally break that jinx on this tour. The onus is on the experienced core - Bangladesh have a few selection calls to ponder, particularly at the top of the order. With Shadman Islam ruled out due to an ankle injury, Mohammad Naim returns to the Test setup after more than four years away, having last featured against New Zealand in 2022. He has been rewarded for his impressive form in domestic cricket and will be keen to make the most of this opportunity. There is also an exciting addition in the form of uncapped Mahfijul Islam, who has earned his maiden call-up after an excellent run in the National Cricket League. The 22-year-old has been among the leading run-scorers in the competition, including a double century and two hundreds in his recent outings. The visitors, however, will rely heavily on their experienced core of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das. All four have important roles to play in a batting line-up that will need plenty of application against South Africa's pace attack. Towhid Hridoy, meanwhile, will head into the tour with considerable confidence after recently producing an unbeaten 242 against the West Indies, the highest individual score by a Bangladesh batter in Test cricket. Pace will lead the way - Bangladesh have also gone in with five specialist pace options, which tells you quite a bit about the conditions they are expecting in South Africa. Taskin Ahmed will lead the attack, and his ability to generate pace and movement makes him a crucial figure. Hasan Mahmud has developed into a dependable option, while Shoriful Islam brings a left-arm angle to the attack. Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed provide further depth, with the latter returning to the Test squad after missing the recent West Indies series. The notable absence is Nahid Rana, who remains sidelined through injury. In the spin department, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam will be the two key figures, with Miraz also having a crucial role to play with the bat. Team form (Last 5 Tests, recent first) - SA - WWLWW | BAN - DLDLW. What to expect? The Wanderers has traditionally been one of South Africa's quickest surfaces, and we can expect plenty of pace and bounce once again. Curator Brendon Frost has indicated that he wants to bring back the Bullring's traditional character, with some grass expected to remain on the surface to bring the fast bowlers into the game. The venue has offered limited assistance to spinners in recent times, so the seamers are likely to have the greater say, although the surface could change as the game progresses. There is also a possibility of afternoon thunderstorms during the Test, which could lead to a few interruptions. Both teams have packed their squads with pace options, and this could be a contest where the quicks take centre stage. Will South Africa continue their march, or can Bangladesh spring a surprise? We shall find out soon enough.
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Match Details

Venue
The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Toss
Bangladesh, elected to bat
Series
Bangladesh in South Africa, 2 Test Series, 2026
Series Period
15 Nov 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Match Day
15 Nov 2026 - (20 - over match)
Umpires
Ahsan Raza (PAK), Alex Wharf (ENG) and Jayaraman Madanagopal (IND)
Match Referee
Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
Streaming Platform
FanCode