The importance of the toss ahead of the first Test in Mirpur had been a matter of speculation. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged that while it would be a crucial factor, it was beyond their control.
Fortunately for Bangladesh, they won the critical toss. On the spin-friendly pitch of Mirpur, the decision to bat first came easily for the team.
There was one confirmed change from Bangladesh’s previous Test lineup: Shakib Al Hasan was unavailable for this match, and his place was taken by Zakir Ali Anik.
Additionally, two more changes were made to the squad. Bangladesh is fielding only one pace bowler, with Khaled Ahmed being replaced by Nayeem Hasan.
A change in the opening partnership also occurred, with Zakir Hasan being dropped in favour of Mahmudul Hasan Joy.
Bangladesh XI:
Najmul Hossain Shanto, Sadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Zakir Ali Anik, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud.
South Africa XI:
Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Britzke, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Piedt.
