SA vs BAN | 1st Test | Preview, Predictions, Probable XI, Fantasy XI

South Africa and Bangladesh will go head-to-head in a two-match Test series, scheduled to commence on March 31 at Kingsmead, Durban.

As the three ODIs came to a close, Bangladesh recorded their first-ever series win in South Africa. The side has emerged as a fierce competitor so far on this tour and will be eyeing to continue its domination over the hosts.

While Bangladesh are going in with a full-strength unit, South Africa walks in with a depleted squad as a few of their essential Test members miss out on the national duty due to the IPL commitments. 

Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi have joined their respective IPL franchises and will not be available for the upcoming Bangladesh series.

Both the sides have tasted success in their last red-ball series. The Proteas emerged victorious against a formidable Indian outfit, making a comeback from behind and beating them 2-1. 

Bangladesh as well achieved a historic feat in January this year and claimed a Test match win at Bay Oval against New Zealand. However, they suffered a loss in the next game, and the series ended 1-1.

Match Details:

South Africa vs Bangladesh, 1st Test

Date and Time- March 31, 2022, 1:30 PM IST

Venue- Kingsmead, Durban

Broadcast- Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV

Pitch Report

The pitch at Kingsmead, Durban, has been the bowlers' hunting ground as the red ball does the talking throughout the match. With a considerable amount of help available for the bowlers, batters would not have a good time at the wicket.

Squads:

South Africa 

Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma, Daryn Dupavillon, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Duanne Olivier, Keegan Petersen, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams, Khaya Zondo

Bangladesh 

Mominul Haque, Khaled Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Yasir Ali, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Tamim Iqbal, Shadman Islam, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed Rahi, Mushfiqur Rahim, Najmul Hossain Shanto

Probable Playing XI:

South Africa 

Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Duanne Olivier, Lutho Sipamla, Lizaad Williams

Bangladesh 

Tamim Iqbal, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam

CE Fantasy XI:

Sarel Erwee, Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma, Keegan Peterson, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Keshav Maharaj, Duanne Olivier

Captain- Dean Elgar

Vice-captain- Shakib Al Hasan