Bangladesh announce 16-member squad for two-match Test series vs South Africa

Bangladesh have called up uncapped batter Mahfijul Islam for the first time, while bringing back Mohammad Naim for their upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. They are among the leading run-getters in the current National Cricket League first-class event at home. 

Since their historic victory over Australia in Darwin, Bangladesh have not won any of their next three clashes, including two defeats and a draw against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. They are likely to draw or lose their ongoing game against the West Indies side in Sylhet. 

Bangladesh Test squad vs South Africa: Full 16-member player list and who misses out

Naim was part of the Bangladesh A side that tripped the Proteas in August this year but only got 72 runs in three innings with a fifty. Their chief selector, Habibul Bashar, reckoned that Mahfijul got his break because of Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who was not fit but was in line to travel.

“We sent Naim to South Africa [for the A series], where he looked very good. He has been batting exceptionally well in first-class cricket recently. We have seen Naim play before, but based on his performance in the recent South Africa series and his first-class form, he appears to be in great shape, which is why we've included him.” Bashar said at the conference.

“Nahid Rana called me from Australia yesterday. He is very optimistic about a quick return; he has already bowled at 90% intensity in Australia. He might return to the country by November 15. Rana feels confident that he can return right away, but since he has been dealing with an injury, we want to follow a proper procedure. We don't want to rush things with him.” He added.

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The selectors have dropped Soumya Sarkar, who was part of the squad in Australia and the UAE recently. The rest of the premier pacers, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain and Khaled, are all in the squad.

Bangladesh’s squad for Tests vs South Africa-

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (w.k), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Mahfijul Islam

How important is the Bangladesh vs South Africa series for both sides in WTC 2025/27?

Bangladesh will have just a week’s break after the end of the home series against the West Indies. Their opening clash against the Proteas will begin at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on November 15 and will be followed by the second game from November 23 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

South Africa, after the win over Australia at home, have gone up to the second position in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025/27 with five wins in seven clashes at the PCT of 71.43, led by New Zealand’s 72.22 in the table.

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Bangladesh stand at the edge of the mountain, sitting in fifth position in the table just after India with three wins in seven clashes at a PCT of 47.62. They have three wins and as many defeats so far.