Tigers’ chance to break new ground

With the kind of year Bangladesh have already had, it is only logical to say that the Mominul Haque-led side will back themselves to break further ground by sealing a maiden Test win on South African soil when the two sides meet in the first of two-Test series at Kingsmead in Durban today.

The match is scheduled to begin at 2:00pm [BST].

With Bangladesh losing big in all of their six Tests played in South Africa and the two draws at home being their best achievement against the Proteas in all of the 12 outings in the format, records remain largely against the Tigers.

Despite the ragged history, Bangladesh go into the series hot on the wheels of a historic 2-1 ODI series victory against the hosts. Also, the fact that this very side had broken the New Zealand barrier, by beating the Kiwis in a Test in their own backyard in January, will only provide Mominul's troops the added confidence and belief of pulling off something similar in South Africa.   

The Tigers will also be boosted by the return of opener Tamim Iqbal, who is set to play his first Test in about 10 months.

Bangladesh also outweigh the hosts when it comes to experience in the side. Other than Shakib Al Hasan, who had to skip the Test series due to personal reasons, Bangladesh have all their experienced players in the side.

South Africa, on the other hand, had to announce a squad with as many as four uncapped players after Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen opted for IPL over national duty.