The highly anticipated BAN vs SA Test 2024 series, part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship, is set to be a thrilling contest between Bangladesh and South Africa.
Scheduled for late October and early November 2024, this two-match series will provide an opportunity for both teams to improve their standings in the championship.
Historically, South Africa has been the dominant force in this matchup, but with Bangladesh playing at home and showing steady improvement in Test cricket, the series promises to be competitive.
Schedule and Venues of Ban vs SA Test 2024
The Bangladesh vs South Africa Test series 2024 is scheduled as follows:
- 1st BAN vs SA Test: October 21-25, 2024, at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
- 2nd BAN vs SA Test: October 29 – November 2, 2024, at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Both stadiums are known for their spin-friendly pitches, which could play a crucial role in the series, particularly for Bangladesh, whose spin attack has been one of their strongest assets in home conditions.
Importance of the Series
This series holds significant importance for both teams as they aim to secure vital points in the ICC World Test Championship standings. South Africa, traditionally a strong Test side, will be eager to maintain their dominant record against Bangladesh, while Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will look to challenge the Proteas on home soil.
Squads for BAN vs SA Test 2024
Bangladesh Squad:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Shadman Islam
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Zakir Hasan
- Mominul Haque Showrab
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Litton Kumar Das (wk)
- Zaker Ali Anik
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taijul Islam
- Nayeem Hasan
- Taskin Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
Bangladesh has named a well-balanced squad for this series, blending experienced players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim with rising talents like Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead from the front, aiming to outsmart South Africa with home advantage.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack, led by spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and Nayeem Hasan, will be key on the spin-friendly surfaces of Dhaka and Chattogram. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud will provide pace options, complementing the spin-heavy lineup.
South Africa Squad:
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- David Bedingham
- Matthew Breetzke
- Nandre Burger
- Tony de Zorzi
- Keshav Maharaj
- Aiden Markram
- Wiaan Mulder
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Dane Paterson
- Dane Piedt
- Kagiso Rabada
- Tristan Stubbs
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
South Africa’s squad, led by Temba Bavuma, also features a strong mix of experience and youth. Kagiso Rabada, one of the world’s leading fast bowlers, will spearhead the pace attack, while the inclusion of spinners Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy indicates South Africa’s preparation for the turning tracks they’ll encounter in Bangladesh.
Head-to-Head Record of BAN vs SA Test
The head-to-head statistics between Bangladesh and South Africa in Test cricket clearly favor the Proteas:
- Total Matches Played: 14
- South Africa Wins: 12
- Bangladesh Wins: 0
- Draws: 2
South Africa has historically dominated Bangladesh in Test cricket, often winning by large margins. The first Test between these two teams took place in 2002, and since then, South Africa has remained unbeaten against Bangladesh, with several comprehensive victories. In their last encounter during the 2022 Test series, South Africa secured a 2-0 win, demonstrating their superiority.
However, with the BAN vs SA Test 2024 series being held in Bangladesh, the home team will be eager to rewrite history and secure their first-ever Test win against South Africa.
Key Players to Watch in BAN vs SA Test 2024
Bangladesh:
- Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh’s star all-rounder will be crucial with both bat and ball. His experience and ability to perform in pressure situations will be vital for the hosts.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: With spin expected to play a major role, Mehidy’s off-spin will be Bangladesh’s main weapon against South Africa’s strong batting lineup.
South Africa:
- Kagiso Rabada: Known for his lethal pace and ability to extract bounce on any surface, Rabada will be the key player in South Africa’s bowling attack.
- Aiden Markram: South Africa’s top-order batsman, Markram has the technique and temperament to excel in subcontinental conditions.
Pitch and Conditions
Both Dhaka and Chattogram are known for their spin-friendly pitches, offering turn and bounce for spinners from day one. Bangladesh’s strategy will likely revolve around exploiting these conditions, especially with their strong spin-bowling attack. South Africa, on the other hand, will rely on their experienced batting lineup to navigate the turning tracks, while hoping that their seamers, led by Rabada, can make early breakthroughs.
Predictions for BAN vs SA Test 2024
While South Africa holds the upper hand in terms of historical performance, Bangladesh has the home advantage in this series. If the hosts can capitalize on their spin attack and put up competitive scores, they have a real chance of challenging South Africa and improving their World Test Championship standing. However, South Africa’s experience and balanced squad make them formidable opponents in any conditions.
Where to watch BAN vs SA Test 2024
To watch the Bangladesh vs South Africa Test series in 2024, here are the available platforms:
- South Africa:
- TV: SuperSport will be broadcasting the series live.
- Online Streaming: The SuperSport app will provide live streaming access.
- Bangladesh:
- TV: Gazi TV (GTV), BTV, and T Sports will air the matches.
- Online Streaming: Rabbithole will stream the series live.
- United States:
- TV: Willow TV will broadcast the matches.
- Online Streaming: ESPN+ app will stream the matches live.
- India:
- TV: Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD will broadcast the matches in English.
- Online Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar will provide streaming services.
- United Kingdom:
- TV: Sky Sports Cricket will cover the series.
- Online Streaming: Available through the Sky Go app.
These options cover a wide range of regions, ensuring fans can catch the action live across various platforms
Conclusion
The BAN vs SA Test 2024 series promises to be an exciting battle between two teams looking to climb the World Test Championship ladder. With both teams fielding talented squads and the stakes high, cricket fans can expect a closely contested series. Will Bangladesh finally break their winless streak against South Africa in Test cricket, or will the Proteas continue their dominance? Only time will tell.
