The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced a crucial two-match Test series against South Africa in October-November 2024 as part of the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test will be held in Dhaka starting October 21, followed by the second Test in Chattogram from October 29. Both teams seek to improve their standings in the WTC, with South Africa historically favored in their past encounters, having won 12 of the 14 Tests played against Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially unveiled the schedule for the eagerly anticipated Test series against South Africa, set to take place in October and November 2024. This two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle and will commence on October 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Following the opening match in Dhaka, the South African team will travel to Chattogram to engage in the second Test, which is scheduled to start on October 29 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. This upcoming series holds significant importance, particularly as the last encounter between these two teams in the longest format of the game occurred in early 2022, when Bangladesh toured South Africa. On that occasion, the Proteas emerged victorious, securing a 2-0 series win and continuing their stronghold on the rivalry, having won 12 of their 14 Test matches against Bangladesh, with 2 matches drawn. As both teams currently vie for favorable standings, Bangladesh holds a point percentage of 39.29, placing them 5th, while South Africa, with a slightly lower point percentage of 38.89, stands 6th in the ICC World Test Championship standings. This series is critical for both nations as they aim to qualify for the final of the prestigious championship next year. Post this series, Bangladesh is set to compete against the West Indies, while South Africa will host matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka as part of their respective WTC schedules. The series fixtures are as follows: 1. First Test: October 21-25, Dhaka 2. Second Test: October 29-November 2, Chattogram Most recently, South Africa concluded a WTC series against the West Indies, achieving a 1-0 victory, whereas Bangladesh is currently embroiled in a WTC series against India, trailing 1-0.
The article discusses the forthcoming Test series between Bangladesh and South Africa, which forms a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. As both teams strive to improve their standings, this series presents them with an invaluable opportunity to enhance their chances of qualifying for the WTC final. Historical data reflects South Africa’s dominant performance in prior Test encounters, adding an extra layer of significance to the upcoming matches as they may shift the current standings of both teams immediately prior to their subsequent encounters against other international opponents.
In conclusion, the upcoming Test series between Bangladesh and South Africa promises to be a pivotal moment in the ICC World Test Championship cycle, with both teams aiming to increase their point percentages and improve their standings. With South Africa’s historical dominance in Test matches against Bangladesh, the challenges and opportunities presented in this series could significantly impact both teams’ future endeavors in the championship.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
