Proteas beware: Bangladesh are no longer toothless Tigers

Bangladesh arrive in South Africa on Tuesday with arguably their best chance of winning a Test match on these shores.

The Tigers have a woeful record here, having played eight Test matches across four previous tours (2002, 2008, 2017 and 2022), losing all eight matches by heavy margins (five by an innings, and three by massive run margins).

But 2026 could be the year they finally beat the Proteas — one of two Test nations Bangladesh have yet to defeat — as the tourists boast their strongest squad yet.

There are some familiar faces, but they come with a different level of belief, greater depth in their pace attack and a significant result against one of the world's leading Test sides behind them.

Bangladesh will take plenty of confidence from having won a historic maiden ODI series in South Africa four years ago, although they were brought straight back down to earth in red-ball cricket, suffering a 2-0 whitewash in spin-friendly conditions.

The Proteas won the first Test at Kingsmead by 220 runs before completing an even more emphatic 332-run victory at St George's Park. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was particularly destructive, claiming 16 wickets across the series, while off-spinner Simon Harmer bagged 13 as Bangladesh struggled to cope with South Africa's spin twins.

Four years on, however, there are reasons to believe this contest could be considerably more competitive.

Bangladesh's landmark nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin in August was a statement of progress. It was their first-ever Test win on Australian soil and demonstrated that they are capable of producing results away from home against elite opposition.

It is, however, important to remember that Australia levelled the two-match series with an innings-and-51-run victory in Mackay. Bangladesh's batting collapsed in that second Test, underlining that consistency remains a work in progress. Furthermore, a home series defeat to the West Indies over the past weekend would have also been a dent to the confidence.

Nevertheless, beating Australia in their own conditions is an achievement that should not be understated.

The victory was built on contributions from several players who will be central to Bangladesh's hopes in South Africa. Tanzid Hasan Tamim announced himself with a maiden Test century, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered another reminder of his value as a genuine all-rounder. Hasan Mahmud was outstanding with the ball, taking nine wickets in the match, while Taskin Ahmed provided further support with his pace.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, who captained the side in Australia, will again lead the Tigers. His leadership will be important in a series where Bangladesh will need to show patience and discipline, particularly against the Proteas' formidable pace attack.

Shanto will have the benefit of an experienced batting core. Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque and Litton Das have all played important roles in Bangladesh's Test journey, while Mehidy brings the experience of a player who has developed into one of the country's most influential all-rounders. Taijul Islam, meanwhile, remains a key weapon with his left-arm spin.

One player to certainly keep a close eye on Towhid Hridoy. The middle-order batter made headlines during Bangladesh A's recent tour of South Africa, scoring an extraordinary unbeaten 350 in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A at Potchefstroom. It was the highest first-class score by a Bangladeshi batter and a remarkable display of concentration and endurance in local conditions.

The 25-year-old has since transferred his A-team level form to the Test arena by producing one of the most remarkable individual performances in Bangladesh's Test history, finishing the Sylhet Test against West Indies with a match aggregate of 324 runs.

The right-handed batter made an unbeaten 242 in Bangladesh's first innings before adding a determined 82 in the fourth innings as the hosts secured a draw on Monday. His combined tally made him the first Bangladesh batter to score more than 300 runs in a single Test.

His ability to occupy the crease for long periods could prove invaluable against the Proteas.

There is also an opportunity for young Mahfijul Islam, who has earned his maiden Test call-up after an impressive run in Bangladesh's domestic first-class competition. The 22-year-old has passed 1,000 first-class runs in just 19 appearances and has produced a double century and a century in his recent matches. Mohammad Naim, meanwhile, returns to the Test set-up after a four-year absence, with his recent domestic form and experience of touring South Africa with the A side earning him selection.

Bangladesh have also placed considerable emphasis on their pace resources. Taskin, Hasan Mahmud, who was the chief destroyer against Australia, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed give them five fast-bowling options, while Mehidy and Taijul provide the spin threat. It is a combination that suggests the selectors understand what is required to compete in South African conditions.

Another potentially significant factor is the presence of Malibongwe Maketa in Bangladesh's coaching set-up. Appointed assistant coach in October, Maketa knows the local game exceptionally well, having previously served as assistant coach of the Proteas men's team between 2017 and 2019. He has also worked extensively with South Africa A, the national under-19 side, the National Academy and the Warriors.

That experience could prove invaluable as having someone with Maketa's experience and local insight in their dressing room is certainly an asset.

There are still questions to answer. Bangladesh's A team suffered a heavy innings defeat in the first four-day match against South Africa A earlier this year, a reminder that adapting to the bounce and movement on these pitches is no easy task. Hridoy's subsequent marathon innings offered encouragement, but the senior players will need to translate that promise into sustained performances.

The World No 1-ranked Proteas will rightly start as favourites, particularly on home soil, but Bangladesh should not be treated as the same vulnerable touring side that was swept aside in 2022.

Two-Test Series Fixtures

1st Test: Wanderers Stadium, November 15 – 19, 2026

2nd Test: SuperSport Park, November 23 – 27, 2026