Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has chosen to bat after winning the toss in the Mirpur Test against South Africa. The match marks the Test debut of Zakir Ali Anik, the 105th player to represent Bangladesh in Test cricket. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, who made his T20 debut last year, received his Test cap from Mushfiqur Rahim. Although Zakir is yet to make a significant impact, today could be his opportunity to shine.
Bangladesh has gone with a team composition featuring three spinners and one pacer. Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz retain their places, while Nayeem Hasan returns to the side after almost a year, having last played a Test in December of the previous year. Hasan Mahmud is the lone pacer in the lineup.
Mushfiqur Rahim is on the verge of a milestone, needing just 39 runs to join the 6,000-run club in Test cricket. With 5,961 runs from 91 Tests and 170 innings, Mushfiqur boasts 11 centuries and 27 half-centuries in this format.
Taijul Islam is also nearing a milestone, requiring four more wickets to reach 200 in Test cricket. In 47 Tests and 84 innings, he has claimed 196 wickets at an average of 32.21. Among Bangladesh bowlers, only Shakib Al Hasan has more Test wickets, with 246 to his name.
