Despite a disappointing performance in the first match, Bangladesh is determined to secure its first-ever victory against South Africa in Test cricket when they face off in the second and final Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram tomorrow (Tuesday).

The match is set to begin at 10 AM and will be broadcast live on Gazi TV and T Sports.

"There is definitely a goal, and it is to win the second Test," Bangladesh's experienced spinner Taijul Islam stated at a pre-match conference in Chattogram today.

"Our main focus is to play as a team, whether it’s bowling, batting, or fielding. We’ll give our best to win the match."

Bangladesh entered the series as favorites, given South Africa's struggles in subcontinental conditions and their inexperienced squad. However, the Proteas surprised everyone by clinching a seven-wicket victory, marking their first win in the subcontinent since 2014.

This win extended South Africa's unbeaten streak against Bangladesh, as they have now triumphed in 13 out of 15 Tests, with two matches ending in draws.

Expected to struggle against Bangladesh's spin attack, South Africa instead utilized sweep and reverse-sweep shots effectively, leaving the home side’s spinners in disarray. Although Taijul managed to take eight wickets during the match, he received little support from his fellow spinners, Nayeem Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

While the spinners struggled, it was the batting lineup that faltered most, with Bangladesh being bowled out for just 106 runs in their first innings, a performance that set the tone for the game.

Taijul expressed confidence that the batters are diligently working to overcome their long-standing issues. "As I mentioned earlier, it's crucial to play as a unit. If we can establish two or three partnerships, and if a couple of batters can score half-centuries or centuries, we can meet our target," he said.

"Everyone is putting in the effort, and they are determined to resolve these batting challenges. I hope we’ll perform well in this match."

For the second Test, Bangladesh has made two changes to the squad, bringing in pacer Syed Khaled Ahmed and uncapped wicket-keeper batter Mahidul Islam Ankon. Khaled replaces fellow fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who was left out of the first Test's XI, while Ankon steps in for Jaker Ali Anik, who sustained an injury just before the match.

On the other hand, South Africa is seeking a Test series victory in the subcontinent after a long absence.

"The win in the first Test was definitely relieving. It’s a happy moment for us in the changing room," said South Africa's stand-in captain Aiden Markram.

"Good sides find ways to win consecutively, and that’s our motivation going into this Test match. We respect our opponents, especially Bangladesh in their home conditions, and we know it’s going to be a tough game. However, we aim to maintain our positive energy and vibe in the dressing room."

Squads:

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Shourav, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das (WK), Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, and Hasan Murad.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (Captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne.

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