BAN vs SA 2nd Test Preview: Battle for Supremacy and WTC Points

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Date: October 29, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM
Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Series: South Africa tour of Bangladesh, 2 Test Series, 2024

The highly anticipated 2nd Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa is set to kick off on October 29, 2024, at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. With both teams vying for crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points, this series has taken on immense significance.

Recent Performance:

Bangladesh, currently ranked seventh in the WTC standings, has witnessed a mixture of wins and losses in their recent Test matches. They defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets and 10 wickets in the 2nd and 1st Tests, respectively, but lost to India by 7 wickets and 280 runs in the 2nd and 1st Tests, respectively.

South Africa, holding the fifth position in the WTC standings, comes into this series with an inconsistent run of form. They registered a win against Bangladesh in the 1st Test but have experienced losses in their last two Test series against the West Indies and New Zealand.

Key Players:

• Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Taijul Islam
• South Africa: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram

Head-to-Head Record:

Bangladesh has an edge in their overall Test head-to-head record against South Africa, with 13 wins to South Africa's 4. However, it's essential to note that South Africa has dominated their encounters in the last few years, securing crucial victories in their recent meetings.

Squad Details:

Bangladesh Squad:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad, Jaker Ali, Litton Das (WK), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (ALL), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan, Shadman Islam, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Zakir Hasan (WK)

South Africa Squad:

Though the exact squad details for South Africa are not available, they are expected to field a strong lineup consisting of key players like Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Wiaan Mulder.

Weather Conditions and Pitch Report:

The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram is expected to have hot and humid weather with a few clouds during the match. The pitch may favor the spinners, and teams might opt to bat first to take advantage of the favorable conditions.

Prediction:

While both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, Bangladesh's familiar conditions at home and their recent wins against Pakistan might give them a slight edge in this contest. However, South Africa's aggressive batting lineup and skilled bowling attack could pose significant threats to the home team.

Expected Outcome:

Given the conditions and the recent form of both teams, we can expect a closely contested Test match with Bangladesh emerging victorious.

Score Prediction:

Bangladesh to win the 2nd Test by a margin of 120-150 runs.

Best Batsman:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh) to be the highest scorer in the match.

Best Bowler:

Taijul Islam (Bangladesh) to take the most wickets in the match.