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Sunday | November 15, 2026 | Dhaka
14 defeats in 16 Tests

Can Tigers rewrite history against SA?

 Sports Reporter
 Published: 12:05 AM, 15 November 2026

Only two countries are left on the list of opponents against whom Bangladesh have yet to win a Test match-India and South Africa (SA). Bangladesh will look to address that lingering shortcoming in the series beginning with the Johannesburg Test today. But statistics reveals the task will be far from easy.

In the 16 Test matches Bangladesh played against South Africa so far, Bangladesh have managed only two draws-both of which came thanks to rain. They have lost all the other matches, with 9 of those 14 defeats occurring by an innings margin.

Bangladesh lost all eight matches on South African soil, and five of those defeats were by an innings margin.

Among the Bangladeshi batter who has batted in at least five innings in South Africa, none have an average of even 25. Litton Das holds the highest average at 24.27. Apart from Mahmudul Hasan, no other batter managed to score a century during the tour of South Africa.

The pace and bounce of the pitches could pose a major challenge for the Bangladeshi batter. In recent times, fast bowlers have dominated at both Test venues-Johannesburg and Centurion.

In the last seven matches was held at these two venues, 90 percent of the wickets were taken by fast bowlers.

The BCB has appointed a batting specialist for this series to help deal with the South African pacers.

Former Proteas all-rounder Dale Benkenstein has joined the team and has already begun his work.

“I think the key when it comes to batting will be adapting to the varying bounce. However, having had the experience of playing against Starc and Hazlewood over the last few months, the Bangladeshi batters should also feel significantly more confident,” Dale Benkenstein said.

Bangladesh are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings.
The first Test against South Africa is scheduled to begin in Johannesburg on 15 November, while the second Test will be held in Centurion from 23 to 27 November.

Squads:
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and Mahfijul Islam.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Marcus Ackermann, Zubayr Hamza, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson.