Bangladesh opt to bat first, Zaker Ali debuts

The two-match Test series between host Bangladesh and South Africa has begun today (October 21). In the first Test at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and decided to bat.

Shanto explained that the pitch is dry and batting in the fourth innings will be difficult, which is why they chose to bat first. South African captain Aiden Markram also mentioned they would have opted to bat if they had won the toss.

Zaker Ali Anik is making his Test debut in this match, and he was presented his cap by Mushfiqur Rahim.

Bangladesh (Playing XI): Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud.

South Africa (Playing XI): Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram(c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Kyle Verreynne(w), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Piedt.