BAN VS SA 2ND TEST

It is now time for the 2nd and final Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa which will be played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. After an entertaining first match, the Proteas lead the series 1-0 and will be looking to seal an away series win which will mean a whole lot more than just a series win. The race to the World Test Championship Final is heating up and with South Africa winning their game against Bangladesh and India losing back-to-back home Tests against New Zealand, it gives the Proteas and the Kiwis both to improve their chances of snatching one of the top two spots but there's still some way to go. Bangladesh are no slouch at home and will come hard at the Proteas and India still have one more Test match against the Kiwis at home and a full-fledged five-match Test series against Australia away from home to come, so, let's set the WTC Final scenarios aside for now. The main issue for Bangladesh in recent Test matches has been that the top order has misfired badly and a lot of pressure has been put on the middle order to bail them out of trouble. Mehidy Hasan has stood out in that regard and the likes of Litton Das and Jaker Ali are also doing their bit but that top three has to find some form. Also, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto mentioned that he will consider stepping down from captaincy after this Test match and on the flip side, Temba Bavuma is all set to miss the 2nd Test match as well as South Africa hope their regular Test skipper will be back soon. Chattogram might favor the pacers a bit more if the last Test here between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is anything to go by. There were runs scored on days 2 and 3 but the pacers ruled the roost early on and in the latter stages of the match as well. Given South Africa's prowess in the pace department, we might not see a similar pitch but it will come down to which team is able to make the best use of those first couple of hours on Day 1 and set the tone for the rest of the game. Can Bangladesh make a comeback and pick up their maiden Test win against the Proteas? Or will Aiden Markram and co put an end to their dipping form in red ball cricket in Asia with a series victory? We will have to wait and watch.