Bangladesh name 16-member Test squad for South Africa series as WTC race intensifies

Sylhet, 9 November 2026:

Bangladesh have named a 16-member squad for their two-match Test series against South Africa, with Najmul Hossain Shanto retained as captain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz appointed vice-captain.

The series begins in Johannesburg on November 15, with the second Test scheduled in Centurion from November 23. Both matches form part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

Bangladesh enter the series fifth in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 47.62, having won three of their seven matches. South Africa, meanwhile, sit second with 71.43 percent, making the contest significant for both teams' championship ambitions.

For Bangladesh, the challenge will be adapting to South African conditions, where pace, bounce and seam movement could test their batting lineup.

Experienced campaigners Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque and Litton Das provide batting experience, while Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain offer pace-bowling options.

The series also presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to strengthen their WTC position with valuable points away from home.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naim Sheikh, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and Mahfijul Islam.