Bangladesh's batting collapse in the second innings appears to be the main reason for the first Test loss to South Africa. However, there were a few more things that resulted in a disappointing surrender to the hosts. Bangladesh team management needs to work on these issues in order to find a proper solution prior to the second match. The three things Bangladesh must fix before the second match of the SA vs BAN Test series 2022 are discussed in this article.
Three Issues Bangladesh Team Should Address Prior to the Second Test
Bangladesh had created a winning possibility in the first Test match against South Africa once they bowled them out for 204 runs in the second innings. The target was 274 for Bangladesh to clinch the match, but collecting those runs on day five was a big challenge. Even then, Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s inspiring knock in the first innings had given everyone hope that Bangladesh might pull off a historic victory.
Read Mominul complains of ‘abuse’ by South African players
However, it took South African spinners only 19 overs to pick up all of Bangladesh’s wickets for only 53 runs. Bangladesh were defeated by South Africa by 220 runs, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series. Here are the three important issues that Bangladesh need to work on to improve their play in the second match of the SA vs BAN Test series 2022.
Game Plan for the Match
Multiple sources claim that there was a disagreement among the coach, players, and team management about whether Bangladesh would take fielding or batting if they won the toss. The decision to ask South Africa to bat first didn’t bring the desired result that the Bangladesh team was hoping for initially. They also let the South African tailenders score at least 50 more runs in the first innings.
Read: Mominul complains of ‘abuse’ by South African players
Besides, selecting an ideal playing XI is also important in order to get the anticipated result from a Test match. South Africa picked two genuine spinners and they were ruthless against Bangladesh. In contrast, Bangladesh picked one spinner in the first match, which was a bad decision. Therefore, Bangladesh’s game plan and strategy need to be effective in order to get the expected result against the hosts in the next game.
Bangladesh’s Batting Performance
Except for Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s outstanding hundred in the first innings, Bangladesh’s overall batting performance in both innings was hapless. Najmul Hossain Shanto got a start in both innings but couldn’t convert them into big knocks.
Read Durban Test: Tigers fold inside an hour on day 5
In the first innings, Litton Das played an effective knock and made a solid partnership with Mahmudul Hasan. There was an expectation from Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim as they are the main pillars of Bangladesh’s middle order. But both the players failed in the match, which was one of the main reasons Bangladesh couldn’t take a lead over South Africa.
Tamim Iqbal is expected to return to Bangladesh's playing XI for the second match, giving the team a huge confidence boost. Tamim needs to play the anchor role, while Mominul and Mushfiqur should find their best form during the contest. Bangladesh's chances of winning the match will improve if these players find their groove with the bat.
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Enhancing the ability to chase a target
Scoring 274 runs in the fourth innings on day five was not an impossible task given the nature of the wicket at Kingsmead in Durban. What Bangladesh's team required was a perfect game plan. They were completely clueless against the two Proteas spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer.
The Bangladesh team needs to believe within themselves that this South African bowling lineup is not their best. Therefore, they can chase down any decent target on day five if they play sensibly. So, the Bangladesh team should be prepared to chase in the second Test in Port Elizabeth.
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Bottom Line
When South Africa were bowled out in their second innings before the end of day four, Bangladesh had a genuine chance in the match to upset the hosts. But due to a lack of proper planning, lack of application in batting, and, above all, the team's lack of confidence, Bangladesh were reduced to a miserable condition in their second innings.
Bangladesh players need to believe that they have the capacity to change the scenario of a match and can chase a decent total on day five. Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s memorable 137 runs in the first innings could serve as an inspirational knock to instill confidence among the batters of Bangladesh.
Read South Africa win 1st test as Bangladesh all out for 53
Besides, Bangladesh’s pace unit and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz were economical and got success against this Proteas side. They should be confident of performing even better heading into the second match at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, which will start on April 7 (Thursday). As veteran Tamim Iqbal is all set to return to the playing XI, Bangladesh should aim to win the second match of the SA vs BAN Test series 2022.