Bangladesh is on the threshold of writing few scripts in its cricket history. Very strong South African cricket team is in Bangladesh now for playing two T20s, three ODIs and two tests.

Despite Bangladesh making some landmark achievements in 2015, it will be too ambitious of thinking about Bangladesh achieving similar successes that it had against its sub continental rivals Pakistan and India. Print media that preview the series and social media which creates hype must remain carefully optimistic.

Cricket is admired by almost every person of Bangladesh at home and abroad. Too much optimism may put additional burden on Bangladesh players. It will be better to let them play to their full potential and the result will follow.





We know cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty. But even then it will be a wishful thinking of achieving series white wash in any format against South Africa. In test series, it will be contest between the first and the ninth ranked teams. Bangladesh has nothing to lose and lot to gain. There will be no point in playing with negative mindset and playing for a draw. There will be no point preparing flat dead wickets and letting South Africa making records when they bat. Take it simple. Bangladesh cannot win tests against South Africa through business as usual thought process. We have now few good bowling prospects alongside very impressive batting line up. Let Bangladesh select a good bowling attack of two to three quality pace bowlers and at least two specialist spinners. Let there be sporting wickets giving equal opportunities for batsmen and bowlers. Let us test our growing temperament in tests. Who knows Bangladesh may even surprise the South Africans. On flat surfaces, even spinners do not have any purchase.

Bangladesh did not win any tests against South Africa ever. Played eight, lost eight and seven of these by innings defeat.  Winning a test now will be a new landmark. That will be only possible backing our emerging pace bowlers and preparing sporting wickets. When Bangladesh goes on return visit, they have to play on fast bouncy wickets anyway.

We would rather think Bangladesh has real opportunities in ODIs and T20s although few of the South African players have good experience of playing major roles for their IPL franchises. I will back Bangladesh chances of winning one or more matches of ODI series and may be one in T20. There is a little concern about fitness of Taskin but Bangladesh have options in bowling attack. Playing with three quality pacers and two genuine spinners (Shakib and Jubair) may be a better way to go against South Africa. There is no reason to think that South Africans still have weaknesses against quality spins on spinning tracks. Some of their leading batsmen have extensive experience of playing world’s leading spinners on Indian wickets in IPL. Hence, any thoughts of stifling South African batsmen on spinning tracks may boomerang upon Bangladesh.



ICC Ranking Players



If player’s rankings and team rankings are indicative to expected performances, Bangladesh will find it extremely challenging to compete admirably with South Africa.

But Bangladesh team is buzzing and humming with high confidence. They have self-belief with a blend of experienced established players in consistent form and some highly talented emerging players having potential of maturing into world-class performers. This team has developed a “Can Do” attitude and is not ready to throw towels easily.



We are expecting keen contests in ODIs and T20s. If a proper team is selected and wickets are sporting even in tests Bangladesh may perform much better than before with a positive mindset. But as has been told above our performance against Pakistan and India may not be enough in guaranteeing success against South Africa. They are far more committed professionals and very difficult all round team. They have world class fast bowling attack and much better fielding strength. They have some of world’s best batsmen across all formats.

Every win against the team will create new landmarks for the maturing tigers and would be heralded by the tiger admirers.

BDST: 0828 HRS, JUL 01, 2015
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