Bavuma expects Bangladesh to put South Africa under pressure with strong pace attack

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma also expects the visitors to pose a serious challenge, particularly with their quality pace attack.

Bangladesh endured a disappointing second Test against Australia in Mackay, losing by an innings after being bowled out for fewer than 100 in both innings.

Yet their reputation remains strong following their stunning nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin, where they dominated all 11 sessions of the match.

That historic result has ensured Bangladesh will not be taken lightly when they head to South Africa for their next Test assignment.

Bangladesh are scheduled to tour South Africa in November for two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.

The pace-friendly conditions could suit their fast bowlers, with Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain and Shoriful Islam capable of troubling the hosts.

Bavuma has already taken note of Bangladesh’s bowling strength. Speaking to TimesLIVE, he said he watched Bangladesh’s historic win in Darwin and expects their attack to make life difficult for South Africa.

“I watched England-New Zealand and Australia and Bangladesh. Australia lost the first match. Hopefully the Aussies will come back stronger and show their capabilities. Bangladesh have a very good bowling attack and they will definitely put us under pressure.”

South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship champions, have won three of their four matches in the current cycle and sit on a 75 percent points percentage.

They still have 10 Tests remaining, three each against Australia and England, and two each against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Bavuma believes their status as the top Test side will give every opponent extra motivation when facing them.

“If I can put it this way, there will be an added spotlight on us. The teams that play against South Africa now will want to test themselves against the number one team. If there is pressure, we have the ability to deal with it and manage it.”