Bangladesh VS South Africa 1st Test Match Preview And Live Streaming. The much-anticipated Test series between South Africa and Bangladesh kicks off on October 21, 2024, at the iconic Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. This two-match series forms an integral part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, and both teams will be eager to strengthen their positions in the WTC standings. The Proteas, currently ranked sixth, and Bangladesh, sitting in seventh place, have everything to play for in what promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched sides.
The Importance of the Series
This series is crucial not only for the World Test Championship but also for the confidence and momentum of both teams. For South Africa, this series marks their last away tour in the current WTC cycle before hosting Sri Lanka and Pakistan. With six Test matches left in this cycle, the Proteas have a golden opportunity to reach the WTC final for the first time in their history. A series win here would significantly boost their chances of appearing in the final, scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s.
For Bangladesh, the series represents an opportunity to regroup after a difficult tour of India, where they lost both Test matches and all three T20Is. However, the Tigers can take confidence from their recent triumph over Pakistan, where they whitewashed them 2-0 in a historic series away from home. Playing in their home conditions, Bangladesh will be aiming to cause another upset and keep their WTC final hopes alive.
Bangladesh Preparations: New Leadership, Missing Shakib
Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will head into the series without their talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who opted out due to security concerns stemming from political unrest in the country. Shakib’s absence is a significant blow for the hosts, as the veteran all-rounder was initially expected to play his last Test series in front of his home crowd. His replacement, Hasan Murad, will have big shoes to fill as Bangladesh looks to solidify their batting and bowling departments.
Despite this setback, Bangladesh will be buoyed by their strong performances at home in recent years. The Sher-E-Bangla Stadium has always been a fortress for the Tigers, and with players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Litton Das in their ranks, they possess a formidable lineup capable of challenging any team.
South Africa Quest: Bavuma Out, Markram Steps Up
South Africa’s preparations have been disrupted by the unavailability of their captain Temba Bavuma, who will miss the first Test due to a muscle strain on his left triceps. In Bavuma’s absence, Aiden Markram will lead the team, and he will be determined to make a mark as captain in the longest format. The Proteas will also be bolstered by the inclusion of Dewald Brevis, the exciting young talent who has made waves in limited-overs cricket with his explosive batting.
The South African squad boasts a balanced mix of experience and youth. Kagiso Rabada, one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, will spearhead the attack alongside Lungi Ngidi, while Keshav Maharaj will provide the spin option on pitches that are expected to assist the slower bowlers. The batting unit, led by Markram, includes the likes of Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne, and Tony de Zorzi, who will be looking to make significant contributions.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, South Africa has dominated the head-to-head record against Bangladesh in Test cricket. Out of the 14 Test matches played between the two nations, the Proteas have won 12, while Bangladesh is yet to register a victory against them in this format. However, this statistic could add extra motivation for the home team to turn things around and claim a historic win in front of their passionate fans.
Key Players to Watch
Bangladesh
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain): The young captain has shown glimpses of his potential in recent matches and will be eager to lead from the front in Shakib’s absence. His ability to anchor the innings and handle pressure situations will be crucial for Bangladesh.
- Mushfiqur Rahim: The veteran wicketkeeper-batter has been the backbone of Bangladesh’s middle order for over a decade. His experience and temperament in tough situations make him a key player for the hosts.
- Litton Das: Another reliable presence in the batting lineup, Litton has been in fine form recently. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle order will be vital for Bangladesh, especially against South Africa’s formidable pace attack.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The off-spinner has been one of Bangladesh’s most consistent performers with both bat and ball. His knack for taking key wickets and contributing valuable runs lower down the order makes him a crucial player in home conditions.
South Africa
- Aiden Markram (Captain): Markram’s leadership will be under scrutiny in the absence of Bavuma, but he has the skill and temperament to lead the side effectively. His ability to score runs at the top of the order will also be vital for South Africa’s success.
- Kagiso Rabada: Arguably South Africa’s most important bowler, Rabada has the pace, skill, and aggression to dismantle any batting lineup. His ability to generate reverse swing and hit the right lengths on subcontinent pitches will make him a formidable challenge for the Bangladesh batters.
- Keshav Maharaj: The left-arm spinner will relish the conditions in Bangladesh, where spin is expected to play a significant role. His experience in bowling long spells and his ability to exploit any assistance from the pitch will make him a key asset for South Africa.
- Dewald Brevis: The young sensation has taken the cricketing world by storm with his performances in limited-overs cricket. If he can translate that form into Test cricket, Brevis could prove to be a game-changer for the Proteas.
Bangladesh vs South Africa 2024 Test Series Schedule
- 1st Test: October 21–25, Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
- 2nd Test: October 29–November 2, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
Fans eager to follow the series can catch the live streaming of both Test matches on the FanCode app and website in India. Unfortunately, there will be no live television broadcast of the series in India. For viewers in Bangladesh, the matches will be available on T Sports and GTV, while South African fans can tune into SuperSport for the live telecast.
- Match Timings: The matches will start at 09:30 AM IST (10:00 AM local time / 04:00 AM GMT).
| Country | TV Telecast | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| India | —- | FanCode app/website |
| Bangladesh | T Sports, GTV | FanCode app/website |
| South Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport app/website |
Weather Conditions
The weather forecast for Dhaka during the first Test appears to be mostly clear, with some cloud cover expected later in the day. Temperatures will range between 24°C and 31°C, with humidity levels on the higher side. While rain is unlikely to affect play, the conditions may favor spinners as the match progresses, especially with some fog expected in the early morning sessions.
Conclusion
This Test series between Bangladesh and South Africa promises to be a tightly contested affair. With both teams vying for crucial WTC points, the stakes are high, and the cricketing world will be keenly watching how these matches unfold. Bangladesh will be looking to make the most of their home advantage, while South Africa will aim to keep their WTC final hopes alive with a strong showing.
