South Africa vs Bangladesh – 2nd Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is South Africa vs Bangladesh taking place? Friday, April 8th, 2022 – 09:00 (UK)
Where is South Africa vs Bangladesh taking place? St George’s Park, Gqeberha
What is the expected weather for South Africa vs Bangladesh? 17-23c dry across all five days with sunny intervals on Days 1, 3, and 4 but bright sunshine on Day 5
What channel is South Africa vs Bangladesh on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream South Africa vs Bangladesh? The match can be streamed live via the Sky Go App
LAST MEETING
South Africa beat Bangladesh by 220 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa made it 11 wins in 13 Test matches against Bangladesh in Durban, thrashing the Tigers by 220 runs after bowling them out for just 53 in their fourth innings with all ten wickets coming via their two premier spin bowlers, including a seven-wicket haul for Keshav Maharaj.
- The partnership between Maharaj and Simon Harmer, who like his teammate accrued seven scalps across the first Test was the catalyst for South Africa’s success and the two are expected to line-up together once again in Gqeberha.
BANGLADESH
- Bangladesh certainly didn’t disgrace themselves in the first Test and only a horrific fourth innings batting collapse led to such a resounding loss on paper, which doesn’t tell the whole story of the game.
- With all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan confirmed as unavailable for the second Test, it would be no surprise if the Tigers named the same starting XI with no reported injuries to their squad following the first Test.
THE PREDICTION
If Bangladesh can replicate their quicker bowling performance shown in the first Test, then South African are in for another stern examination here. Their fourth innings collapse in Durban cannot be ignored though, as it exposed potential a soft underbelly amid the tourists, whilst when South Africa have been in a spot of bother, their tail-enders have added crucial runs. In Maharaj and Harmer however, the hosts have two aces in the pack to call upon. Harmer is a game-changing addition to this Proteas side, who are realising quickly what cricket fans in England already knew, that the 33-year-old is a world class spin-bowler capable of winning international matches. That extra sprinkling of class can make a huge difference in a series such as this and when taking into account the experience among South Africa’s team not to mention their excellent record against Bangladesh, the Proteas are worth backing to seal the series with a second win.
