Bangladesh's quest for recognition as a significant world cricket force faces a tough examination on their tour of South Africa, which starts tomorrow (Thursday). Bangladesh will play two Test matches, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals.
Tigers have lost by an innings in all four Tests they have played on two previous tours of South Africa, as well as losing six of seven one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals against the hosts.
But now Bangladesh improved a lot. They will be buoyed by a solid recent record, despite being without star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the Tests.
Since former Sri Lankan batsman Chandika Hathurusingha took over as coach in 2014 they have gained some notable results, including Test wins against England, Sri Lanka and Australia. They shared a rain-hit home series against South Africa in 2015. They have recorded one-day wins against England, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand during Hathurusingha's tenure, while they beat South Africa 2-1 in a three-match series at home in 2015.
Their away record remains poor, however, despite a Test win against Sri Lanka in Colombo in March, and they will have to adapt quickly to the expected pace-friendly pitches in South Africa. The players should remember that South Africa is a country where subcontinent teams struggled regularly. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have totalled just five wins in South Africa and there hasn't been one such victory since 2011.
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