Can Tigers repeat Darwin against Bavuma's formidable Proteas?

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With 13 victories in his first 15 Tests in charge, Bavuma has matched a record achieved only by Australia's Lindsay Hassett at the same stage of his captaincy. Both registered 13 wins, one draw and one defeat in their first 15 matches, making the South African the most successful Test captain at this stage of his tenure alongside the Australian.

Bangladesh will need to summon the spirit of their historic triumph in Darwin if they are to upset a formidable South Africa side led by Temba Bavuma, whose remarkable record as Test captain will face another test when the two teams begin their two-match series at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

With 13 victories in his first 15 Tests in charge, Bavuma has matched a record achieved only by Australia's Lindsay Hassett at the same stage of his captaincy. Both registered 13 wins, one draw and one defeat in their first 15 matches, making the South African the most successful Test captain at this stage of his tenure alongside the Australian.

Bavuma now has the opportunity to move clear of Hassett, but history offers a curious twist. Hassett lost his 16th Test as captain against South Africa in Melbourne in 1952-53 and managed just one more victory in his final nine matches in charge. A Bangladesh victory in Johannesburg would therefore carry considerable historical significance, although the current Proteas side will be determined to avoid such a reversal.

South Africa's success under Bavuma has been built on victories against leading Test nations, including three against Australia and three against India, two of those coming on Indian soil last year. The Proteas have since added the World Test Championship title to their achievements and strengthened their credentials with a 2-1 home series victory over Australia last month.

For Bangladesh, the challenge is compounded by a poor record against the hosts. The Tigers have lost all eight of their previous Tests in South Africa, with five defeats coming by an innings. Their closest defeat among the other three came by 220 runs in Durban during the 2021-22 tour. South Africa have won 14 of the 16 Tests between the sides, while the other two ended in rain-affected draws in Bangladesh in 2015.

Yet Bangladesh have shown they can produce results against established opponents away from home.

The timing of the South Africa tour has…

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