Bangladesh to Host South Africa in Crucial World Test Championship Series
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has revealed that South Africa will tour Bangladesh for a two-match Test series in October and November 2024, important for the ICC World Test Championship standings. The series will commence on October 21st in Dhaka and conclude on November 2nd in Chattogram. Both teams aim to enhance their positions to secure a place in the finals, considering their historical rivalry and recent performances.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially released the schedule for the upcoming Test series against South Africa, set to take place in October and November 2024. This two-match series is an integral part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle and is poised to commence on October 21st at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Following the opening Test, the South African team will proceed to Chattogram for the second Test, which is scheduled to begin on October 29th at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Historically, the last encounter between Bangladesh and South Africa in Test cricket occurred in early 2022, during which Bangladesh toured South Africa. In that series, the Proteas emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, thereby maintaining an overall unbeaten streak against the Bangladeshi squad in Test matches. To date, the two teams have faced each other on 14 occasions in Test cricket, with South Africa claiming victory in 12 matches and the other two concluding as draws. Currently, Bangladesh holds the fifth position in the ICC World Test Championship standings with a point percentage of 39.29, while South Africa occupies the sixth position with a point percentage of 38.89. Both teams are earnestly striving to secure a spot in the finals of next year’s championship, making this two-match series vital for their ambitions. Following this series, Bangladesh is scheduled to compete against West Indies in the ongoing championship cycle, whereas South Africa will take on Pakistan and Sri Lanka at home.
The forthcoming Test series between Bangladesh and South Africa is not only a platform for showcasing cricketing prowess but also a pivotal component of the ICC World Test Championship. The series will significantly influence the standings of the participating teams, both of whom are striving for better positions in the championship race. Historically, South Africa has dominated the rivalry, winning the majority of their encounters, which adds further competitiveness to this series. The context of this series is heightened by the individual performances within the teams, particularly the role of key players such as Shakib Al Hasan for Bangladesh and the collective experience of the South African side. The performance in this series will also set a precedent for both teams as they prepare for subsequent matches within the championship framework.
In summary, the Test series between Bangladesh and South Africa, scheduled for October and November 2024, stands as a crucial juncture in the ICC World Test Championship. With both teams ranked closely on the leaderboard, the outcomes of these matches may greatly determine their chances of advancing to the championship finals. The historical performance of South Africa in Test cricket against Bangladesh adds an additional layer of anticipation to this encounter, promising an exciting competition for cricket fans around the world.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
