South Africa Aims for 2-0 Series Lead Against Bangladesh in WTC Race

Following a significant victory in the subcontinent, South Africa is looking to secure a 2-0 lead against Bangladesh in their second Test in Chattogram. With recent wins, both South Africa and New Zealand are still in the running for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, making every match crucial for their chances.

South Africa enters this match with confidence after beating Bangladesh in Mirpur, while the hosts are in disarray following a coaching change just before the series. Bangladesh's captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, is considering stepping down after less than a year in charge. He aims to leave a positive legacy, which includes a Test series win over Pakistan and a drawn series against New Zealand.

To challenge South Africa effectively, Bangladesh needs to improve their first-innings performance. Conditions in Chattogram are expected to be more favorable for batting, but key players like Mominul Haque and Litton Das must deliver after disappointing outings in the first Test.

Kagiso Rabada, who took his 300th wicket and claimed his first five-for in Asia during the first Test, is vital for South Africa. His experience will be crucial on what is predicted to be a less challenging surface.

Both teams are likely to tweak their bowling line-ups. Bangladesh's Taijul Islam exposed weaknesses in South Africa’s batting against spin, and they might consider including another spinner to support him. South Africa, on the other hand, may look to bolster their bowling attack, given the match's significance for their WTC ambitions.

Form Guide:
- Bangladesh: LLLWW (Last five Tests)
- South Africa: WWDLL

Players to Watch:
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy: The only Bangladeshi batter to score in both innings of the first Test, he has a century against South Africa from 2022 but needs to regain form after a lean patch.
- David Bedingham: In his early Test career, Bedingham aims to build on a previous century in New Zealand. He has struggled recently, and his ability to contribute is crucial for South Africa's stability.

Team News:
Bangladesh's Jaker Ali has been ruled out due to concussion, leading to a maiden call-up for Mahidul Islam Ankon. They might also consider adding seamer Nahid Rana or a left-arm spinner, Hasan Murad, in place of Nayeem Hasan, who went wicketless in the first Test.

Probable Bangladesh XI:
1. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, 2. Shadman Islam, 3. Mominul Haque, 4. Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), 5. Mushfiqur Rahim, 6. Litton Das (wk), 7. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8. Mahidul Islam Ankon/Nahid Rana, 9. Nayeem Hasan/Hasan Murad, 10. Taijul Islam, 11. Hasan Mahmud.

For South Africa, Temba Bavuma is unavailable due to an elbow injury, leaving Aiden Markram to lead the team again. They may consider adding depth to their bowling attack at Chattogram.

Probable South Africa XI:
1. Aiden Markram (captain), 2. Tony de Zorzi, 3. Tristan Stubbs, 4. David Bedingham, 5. Ryan Rickelton, 6. Matthew Breetzke/Senuran Muthusamy, 7. Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8. Wiaan Mulder, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Dane Piedt, 11. Kagiso Rabada.

Pitch and Conditions:
Chattogram is expected to be batting-friendly, known for its flat surface, which has seen numerous high scores. The weather looks favorable for all five days, with no rain forecasted, but high humidity could pose challenges.

Markram emphasized the need for good hydration in preparation for the conditions, as both teams aim for a decisive outcome in this crucial Test match.