POBNEWS24, Dhaka Oct 29,2024 : South Africa stand-in captain Aiden Markram opted to bat first after winning the toss in the second and final cricket Test against Bangladesh at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
The Proteas lead the series 1-0 following a seven-wicket victory in the first match, making the final Test a must-win game for Bangladesh to avoid a series sweep.
Bangladesh responded with three changes and also handed a debut to wicket-keeper batter Mahidul Islam Ankon.
Ankon replaced Jaker Ali Anik who was ruled out after sustaining concussion during the side’s practice session.
Liton Das and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan were dropped to make way for Zakir Hasan and pacer Nahid Rana.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto appeared frustrated after losing the toss as he also wanted to bat first.
“I Would have batted first as well,” Shanto told the broadcaster after the toss. “It doesn’t matter, looks a pretty good wicket. The boys have done a great job in the practice sessions. Top-order batters’ contribution is very important. We need to make big runs for the team.”
Aiming for a 2-0 sweep, South Africa made two changes with allrounder Senuran Muthusamy and pacer Dane Paterson replacing Dane Piedt and Matthew Breetzke.
“We are going to bat first. It’s a good wicket, hopefully it turns at some stage. Need a big score,” Markram said, explaining his decision to bat first.
“Our top six batters need to get big runs. Hopefully we pile up a lot of runs. It’s exciting. Five days of Test cricket is a long way.”
Line Ups:
Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Zakir Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
South Africa: Aiden Markram(c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne(w), Senuran Muthusamy, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson
