South Africa started strong in Chattogram, with their batters taking full advantage of favorable conditions after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Although Aiden Markram fell early, chipping a length ball to Mominul Haque at mid-on, Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi formed a steady partnership to bring stability to the innings. By lunch, they had guided the Proteas to a comfortable 109/1, showcasing patience and skill against Bangladesh's bowlers. Both players went on to score centuries, with de Zorzi showing resilience despite struggling with cramps and Stubbs reaching his ton before getting out shortly afterward. 

David Bedingham stepped in to replace Stubbs and immediately went after the Bangladeshi spinners, striking several big shots to keep the scoreboard ticking. de Zorzi, inspired by his partner’s aggression, joined in with reverse sweeps and lofted shots, adding pressure on the hosts. Taijul Islam managed to take both of South Africa's wickets, but the day largely belonged to the Proteas. With 81 overs completed and the scoreboard reading over 300 runs for just two wickets, the umpires eventually called off the day due to poor light, concluding a dominant day for South Africa’s batters.

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Tony de Zorzi's 177 run mark breakdown against Bangladesh bowlers

Tony de Zorzi displayed an exceptional performance in his recent innings, scoring a remarkable 177 runs. His century was a mix of patience and calculated aggression, with the South African batter showcasing his adaptability against each bowler. Bangladesh's bowling attack tried various tactics, but de Zorzi’s concentration and shot selection stood out. His control over the innings was evident as he tackled both pace and spin, finding the right moments to rotate the strike and push for boundaries.

Against Hasan Mahmud, de Zorzi displayed caution, scoring 24 runs off 42 balls with a strike rate of 57.1. Despite Mahmud's efforts to keep the pressure on with a dot-ball percentage of 66.7, de Zorzi managed to pick two boundaries in this matchup, choosing to play it safe rather than take unnecessary risks. His approach against Mahmud highlighted his willingness to spend time at the crease, wearing down the bowler before accelerating later in the innings.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz posed a greater challenge, but de Zorzi’s form remained strong. Scoring 53 runs off 72 balls, de Zorzi maintained a strike rate of 73.6 and brought up a half-century in the process. Miraz tried to vary his line and length, but de Zorzi responded with controlled aggression, hitting six boundaries and a six to disrupt the spinner's rhythm. His approach against Miraz underscored his comfort against spin and his ability to find gaps, even against accurate bowlers.

Nahid Rana and Mominul Haque were met with a more reserved approach from de Zorzi. Facing 40 balls against Rana, he scored 16 runs, showing patience and caution as Rana’s dot-ball percentage was high at 62.5. Against Mominul Haque, de Zorzi faced only 11 balls and scored 7 runs, striking at 63.6. These segments of his innings showed that he was willing to bide his time, picking up singles and focusing on strike rotation without trying to force boundaries.

Taijul Islam, the only bowler who managed to dismiss de Zorzi, faced the most resistance. De Zorzi scored 77 runs off 104 balls against him, hitting four boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 74. His approach against Taijul balanced caution and aggression, eventually leading to his dismissal, but not before significantly contributing to the team’s total. Overall, de Zorzi’s innings was a masterclass in adaptability, as he paced his innings perfectly, ensuring a solid score against a diverse bowling attack.

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Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto doesn’t want to lead the Bangladesh Test cricket team. He is likely to end his Test captaincy at the end of the ongoing home Test series against South Africa. 

Bangladesh are currently busy hosting South Africa in a two-match Test series. While Bangladesh lost the first Test by seven wickets at Mirpur, Chattogram will host the second Test from October 29. 

Shanto recently led the Bangladesh team to win a Test series in Pakistan

Last August, Shanto led the Bangladesh Test team to create history in Pakistan. In that tour, Bangladesh not only beat Pakistan in Test cricket for the first time, but they also secured that away Test series.

However, in their next tour in India, Bangladesh lost the Test series by 2-0. Further, the Tigers lost the three-match T20I series by 3-0. 

Due to suffering three straight losses, Bangladesh have slipped down to the eighth position in the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship points table. 

Now, Shanto wants to step down from the captaincy role in Test cricket. A top BCB official also confirmed it to Cricbuzz.

The Cricbuzz report claimed that the official said, "Yes, he informed us that he is not ready to lead the side after the South Africa series.”

Later, the Bangladesh captain also talked about his present status. Shanto told Cricbuzz, “Let's see what happens (as far as leading Bangladesh is concerned) because I am still waiting to hear it from the president (BCB).”

Shanto has led the Bangladesh team in nine Test matches, where his team won three and lost six games. 

Bangladesh cricket experiencing many key changes

We can even experience Shanto’s resignation from the captaincy role in all formats. His captaincy is always under scrutiny due to a lack of consistent success. 

According to media reports, Shanto decided to step down from the T20I captaincy after their elimination from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Later, he reportedly decided to resign from leadership roles in all formats. However, he is currently active in leading the team in all three formats. 

Bangladesh cricket is now facing some massive changes. In the current political turmoil in the country, Bangladesh cricket has already seen its presidential change along with the head coach controversy and change. The senior cricketers are also deciding to retire from at least one or two formats. 

Shakib Al Hasan is set to play his last Test match at home as the former Bangladesh captain has been named in the 15-member squad for the first Test of the upcoming home Test series against South Africa. 

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the 15-member squad for the first match of the two-match home Test series against South Africa. There is no addition to the Test squad, which recently toured India for a two-match Test series, but only the pacer Khaled Ahmed has been excluded.

While Mirpur will host the Test series opener from October 21, Chattogram will host the other Test, starting on October 29. 

This upcoming Test series will also be a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, where Bangladesh are in the seventh position and South Africa are in fifth place. 

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Bangladesh never beat South Africa in Test cricket 

Bangladesh have never won against South Africa in the Test format. In 14 Tests between Bangladesh and South Africa, the Proteas won 12 games, and the other two matches ended in draw results. In Bangladesh, South Africa won four, apart from two draw results. 

Shakib Al Hasan can continue ODI career

Shakib Al Hasan recently announced his T20I retirement. While the all-rounder wished to retire from Test cricket at home, he is ready to fulfill this dream. 

While the all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is still active in the ODI format, he is likely to travel to the United Arab Emirates for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on November 6. 

Meanwhile, Phil Simmons will play the interim head coach role for Bangladesh during the forthcoming home Test series against South Africa. He has been chosen for the role in the interim base after head coach Chandika Hathurusingha’s suspension, who is also set to be terminated.   

Bangladesh's 15-member squad for the first Test against South Africa

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman lslam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana

The Indian cricket team wrapped up their T20I series against Bangladesh in emphatic style, clinching a dominant 133-run victory in the third and final match in Hyderabad. Winning the toss, captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first, and the Indian batters put on a masterclass, posting a colossal total of 297/6—the highest-ever T20I score by a Test-playing nation. Sanju Samson led the charge with a breathtaking maiden T20I century, scoring 111 off just 47 balls. His partnership with Suryakumar (75 off 35) produced a monumental 173-run stand for the second wicket, leaving Bangladesh's bowlers hapless on a night where nothing went their way.

Despite losing both Samson and Suryakumar in quick succession, India maintained their momentum with explosive finishes from Hardik Pandya (47 off 18) and Riyan Parag (34 off 13), adding vital runs in the death overs. Bangladesh, who had been outclassed in all departments throughout the series, crumbled under the pressure once again, failing to put up a fight in the chase. India's comprehensive win not only secured a clean sweep but also marked their third-biggest victory margin in T20Is, sending the team into celebration mode as they dominated the series from start to finish.

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Decoding India's Explosive Batting Display in the Final T20I

India's dominating performance against Bangladesh in the final T20I of the 2024 series was exemplified by their incredible ability to clear the boundary at will. The above image provides a breakdown of India’s six-hitting prowess during their mammoth total of 297/6. It captures the key contact points where the batters connected with the ball to send it flying over the ropes for sixes, highlighting just how aggressively the Indian top-order and middle-order approached the game. These sixes played a pivotal role in setting up India's third-largest victory margin in T20Is.

The image reveals that a significant number of sixes were hit from deliveries pitched in a particular zone around the stumps. As indicated by the 54.5% figure on the image, more than half of the sixes came from balls in this primary hitting arc. The orange dots represent where Indian batters connected with the ball to launch their sixes, and they are densely concentrated in this highlighted area. This shows that the Bangladesh bowlers frequently bowled within the range where Indian batters could swing freely and clear the boundary with ease.

The variety of six-hitting points, however, also illustrates the versatility of the Indian batters. While many sixes came from the traditional off-stump region, several were struck from deliveries that were wide outside off or full-pitched deliveries closer to the stumps. This reflects the adaptability of the batters, as they could take on different types of deliveries and still find ways to muscle the ball for maximum runs. The spread of contact points across the graph showcases India’s all-round aggression, with players using innovative strokes to maximize run-scoring opportunities.

This aggressive approach was led by Sanju Samson, who struck a maiden T20I century (111 off 47), and captain Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed a quick-fire 75 off 35 balls. Together, they stitched a massive 173-run partnership that laid the foundation for India's record-breaking score. The sixes highlighted in the graph are a testament to their dominance, as they consistently found ways to dispatch the ball to the boundary, keeping Bangladesh’s bowlers under constant pressure.

In conclusion, the above image captures the essence of India’s T20I batting blueprint—brutal aggression, a fearless mindset, and an ability to hit sixes from varied deliveries. India’s clinical display of power-hitting helped them post a colossal total, which ultimately paved the way for a massive 133-run victory, completing a clean sweep of the series. The graph not only serves as a visual representation of the match's carnage but also as a reflection of how India has mastered the art of attacking T20 cricket.

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Ravindra Jadeja has had an impressive Test career, showcasing his exceptional all-round skills over the course of 140 matches. With 303 wickets to his name, Jadeja has proven to be one of India's most reliable spinners. His bowling economy of 2.48 reflects his ability to maintain tight control over the game, forcing batters into mistakes. His average of 23.9 is a testament to his consistency and knack for taking key wickets, often breaking crucial partnerships in the middle overs. Jadeja’s adaptability on different surfaces, combined with his precision, has made him a vital asset in both home and away conditions.

Jadeja's strike rate of 57.7 and his balls per wicket ratio of 78.7 illustrate his balance between attack and control. Whether bowling in turning conditions or on flatter tracks, Jadeja has regularly outwitted batsmen with his variations and accuracy. Beyond just his bowling, his fielding and lower-order batting have made him a complete package, often contributing to India’s victories with valuable runs and game-changing moments in the field. His resilience, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, has established him as one of the finest all-rounders in modern Test cricket.

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From Grit to Glory: Ravindra Jadeja’s Impactful Test Career

Ravindra Jadeja's Test career is a testament to his consistency and adaptability against various international sides, with each team presenting unique challenges. His best performances, in terms of wickets taken, have come against Australia, where he has claimed 89 wickets in 32 innings. His economy rate of 2.34 and average of 19.3 highlight his dominance, and his five five-wicket hauls, including a career-best 7/42, underline his ability to dismantle strong Australian batting lineups. Jadeja's control is reflected in his dot percentage (79.1%), showing how effectively he has kept Australian batsmen under pressure over the years.

Against England, Jadeja has played 37 innings, picking up 70 wickets while maintaining an economy of 2.58. Though his bowling average against England (32.6) is higher compared to Australia, his standout performances, including a best of 7/48, prove his value in pivotal Test series. The dot percentage of 76.4% showcases his ability to tie down English batsmen, even in seam-friendly conditions, reflecting his versatility as a bowler.

His exploits against South Africa are equally impressive, where he has taken 42 wickets in 15 innings at a miserly economy of 2.28. With an average of just 19.1 and a strike rate of 50.4, Jadeja has been a thorn in South Africa's side, consistently taking wickets in crucial moments. His three five-wicket hauls against the Proteas, including a best of 6/138, demonstrate his ability to rise to the occasion against top-quality batting lineups. Notably, his dot percentage of 81.1% highlights his control and accuracy.

Jadeja’s 33 wickets against Sri Lanka in 14 innings have come at an economy rate of 2.85, with a strong bowling average of 23.7. His ability to trouble Sri Lankan batsmen is evident from his two five-wicket hauls, with a best of 5/41. Similarly, against New Zealand, Jadeja has taken 25 wickets in 16 innings, maintaining an economy of 2.41. Though his strike rate against the Kiwis is slightly higher at 77.8, his effectiveness in restricting runs is clear from his 80.4% dot ball percentage.

While his sample size against Afghanistan is smaller, Jadeja's efficiency shines through, taking 6 wickets in just 2 innings at a remarkable average of 5.8 and an economy of 2.73. His best bowling figures of 4/17 against Afghanistan illustrate his ability to strike early and maintain pressure. Across all teams, his dot percentages hover around or above 78%, highlighting his incredible control over line and length, keeping batsmen on the defensive, and cementing his legacy as one of India’s most reliable Test bowlers.

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India continued their home dominance in Tests with a commanding 280-run win over Bangladesh at Chepauk, going 1-0 up in the two-match series. After being asked to bat in overcast conditions, India found themselves in trouble at 144/6. However, a brilliant 199-run partnership between Ravindra Jadeja (86) and Ravichandran Ashwin (113) helped India post a formidable 376. Bangladesh's Hasan Mahmud made history, claiming a fifer, but their batters faltered in reply, managing only 149, with Jasprit Bumrah leading India's charge with 4/50.

India’s second innings saw centuries from Shubman Gill (119*) and Rishabh Pant (109), setting a daunting target of 515 for Bangladesh. Despite a solid start from Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, Bangladesh’s batters struggled against India's spinners. Najmul Hossain Shanto fought valiantly with 82, but Ashwin’s 6/88, equaling Shane Warne’s record of 37 five-wicket hauls, sealed a comprehensive victory for India. Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with three wickets, ensuring a strong start to India’s home Test season.

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How India's Batters Falter Against the New Ball in Tests

The graphic highlights India's struggles against Bangladesh’s new-ball bowlers in the first 15 overs of their first innings in the Chepauk Test. It visually represents the False Shot Induced Rate (FSIR), which measures how often Indian batters were induced into playing false shots, defined as the number of false shots per number of balls faced. This metric is broken down based on different bowling lines, helping identify where the Bangladesh seamers had the most impact.

The chart is divided into four distinct zones, each representing different lines where deliveries were pitched. The outside-off stump zone (represented on the left) indicates deliveries bowled wide outside the off stump. The false shot rate for this zone is marked NAN, which suggests that no false shots were induced from deliveries in this area, perhaps because the deliveries were too wide for the batters to engage.

In the good length zone (just outside the off-stump), the false shot rate is 4.4%. This area was more effective for the Bangladesh seamers, inducing several mistakes from the Indian batters. The high percentage indicates that deliveries in this line posed significant problems for India’s top order, likely contributing to their early struggles.

The middle and off-stump region had a false shot rate of 3.3%. This central zone represents a line where the Bangladesh bowlers applied steady pressure. The slightly lower percentage compared to the good length outside off-stump suggests that Indian batters were somewhat more composed when defending their stumps but still vulnerable.

On the leg-stump line, the false shot rate drops to 3.0%. Although this area induced fewer mistakes, it indicates that India’s batters occasionally played false shots when deliveries were aimed at their pads. However, this zone was the least problematic for the Indian lineup, as it allowed them to play more confidently on the leg side.

Overall, the image shows that India’s batters struggled most with deliveries in the good length region just outside off-stump during the first 15 overs. This vulnerability to movement outside off-stump contributed to their precarious start and highlights an area they need to address in the upcoming Test to avoid similar issues against Bangladesh’s seam attack.

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Since the end of the Chennai Test, there has been a big question about Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's availability for the second Test at Kanpur.

During the Chennai Test, the left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan was underused, especially in the first innings of the match. Shakib bowled only eight overs in the first innings, while the left-arm spinner also bowled 13 overs during India’s second innings. However, later Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto clarified that the former Bangladesh captain was underused, especially in the first innings as per team strategy.

SEE ALSO: Know about Kanpur pitch report for the upcoming second Test against Bangladesh

Shakib was injured during the Chennai Test

The left-handed batter Shakib scored 32 and 25 runs in that Chennai Test. While he was batting, he got a hit on his finger against Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s delivery. Although Shakib required a short medical treatment, he continued his batting.

There was a big question about Shakib’s availability for the Kanpur Test. Moreover, in the recent net session, Shakib only batted close to ten balls, which raised the doubt more. 

Shakib is eligible for selection: Chandika Hathurusingha

However, Bangladesh's head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has clarified Shakib’s present status. He straightly denied any injury concern for Shakib and claimed that the experienced all-rounder would be eligible for the Kanpur Test.

Hathurusingha said, "I have not heard anything on Shakib regarding any complaints. I haven't heard from my physio or anyone else so he is eligible for selection."

Despite a good start for Bangladesh in the Chennai Test, the visitors were thrashed by 280 runs. It was India’s largest victory margin against Bangladesh (by runs). 

Bangladesh are challenging for the top two places of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship points table, especially after their recent 2-0 series victory against the hosts Pakistan. However, the Chennai defeat has dropped them in the points table. 

Kanpur will host the second or last Test of the series, starting on September 27. While the hosts India are ready for another strong performance at home, Bangladesh have a major task to change the odds by winning the second Test. 

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has revealed that their recent Test successes in Pakistan have added more confidence in the team for the upcoming India tour. 

Bangladesh recently concluded a two-match Test series against the hosts Pakistan. That Test series was a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, where Bangladesh concluded the Test series by winning 2-0. Before that Test series, Bangladesh never won a Test match against Pakistan. 

Now, Bangladesh are set to travel to India for a two-match Test series, which is also a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. The Test series will begin in Chennai on September 19. 

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We have the extra confidence from the Pakistan series: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto

In their 13 Tests against India, Bangladesh lost 11 matches and drew the other two games. Although Bangladesh captain Shanto is aware of the upcoming challenging series against the hosts India, he also admitted the rising confidence in the team due to recent success in Pakistan. 

Shanto said in the pre-departure press conference in Dhaka, "It will be a challenging series but we have the extra confidence from the Pakistan series. I guess the whole country has that confidence now. Every series is an opportunity. We want to win both Tests, but we have to stick to our process. If we do our job, we can get a good result.”

We want to get the result in the last session of the Test match: Najmul Hossain Shanto

In India, Bangladesh have played three Tests and lost all those matches. Shanto wants to fight in the upcoming Test series, while he also believes that the match result can go in any direction if they manage to stretch the Test matches for a longer period.  

Bangladesh captain added, "They (India) are well ahead of us in the rankings. But we did play well recently. We want to play well for five days, that's our goal. We want to get the result in the last session of the Test match. At that time, the match can go in any direction. It is an opportunity [to get our first win in India]. We will play with a win in mind. But we don't want to think too far ahead. We want to do well for five days, and play to our strength. That's most important."

Shanto also pointed out their strong bowling attack. While spinners have huge experience, the pacers are also learning very well. Bangladesh captain believes that all the players will give their 100 percent for the team to achieve brighter results.

Shanto said, "We are in a good place with our bowling attack, both spin and pace. Perhaps our pacers are behind them in terms of experience but our spin attack is close to theirs. They can bowl in any conditions. All I can say is that our pacers, spinners, and batters will give 100%.

"I think we can make a difference only if we play as a team. It is not just the spinners but the pacers and the batters also. The whole team has to play together."

In the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship points table, India are on top and Bangladesh are in the fourth position. 

After the Test series, Bangladesh will also play a three-match T20I series against the hosts India. 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 16-member Test squad for the upcoming India tour. There is only change in the full-member squad which recently recorded a historic Test series win against the hosts Pakistan. 

India are ready to host Bangladesh in the two-match Test series. Chennai will host the first Test from September 19, and Kanpur will host the second Test from September 27. This Test series will be a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. In this Championship points table, India are on top and Bangladesh are in fourth place. 

SEE ALSO: Rishabh Pant returns, BCCI announces first Test squad

Injured Shoriful Islam has been ruled out; Uncapped Test player Jaker Ali replaced Shoriful

The left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam has been ruled out of the Test squad due to a groin injury. He suffered this injury during the first Test in the recently concluded Pakistan tour and missed out on the second Test of that tour. Uncapped batter Jaker Ali has replaced Shoriful for the forthcoming India tour. 

So, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, and Khaled Ahmed will be the pace bowling options for Bangladesh for the upcoming away Test series against India. 

Uncapped Test player Jaker Ali has played 17 T20Is, including participating at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Last month, the 26-year-old was a member of the Bangladesh A team that toured Pakistan for the two-match unofficial Tests and three-match unofficial ODIs against Pakistan A. During the second unofficial Test, Jaker scored a big century of 172 runs that helped Bangladesh A score 404/9 decl. 

Bangladesh Test record vs India

In 13 Tests between India and Bangladesh, India won 11 Tests, and the other two Tests ended in draw results. Previously, Bangladesh toured India for Test cricket twice, a one-off Test in February 2017 and a two-match Test series in November 2019. Bangladesh lost all those three Tests in India. 

In the upcoming India tour, Bangladesh will also play a three-match T20I series after the conclusion of the Test series. 

Before the recent Pakistan tour, Bangladesh didn’t win a single Test against Pakistan. However, in the recently concluded Pakistan tour, Bangladesh won both the Tests to win their first Test series against Pakistan, and that too in Pakistan. 

Full Bangladesh Test squad for the upcoming India tour

Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Taijul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nayeem Hasan, Khaled Ahmed