Young opener Mahfijul Islam Robin has been handed his Test debut as Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first against South Africa in the opening Test in Johannesburg on Sunday.
Robin earned his maiden Test cap after an impressive run in the National Cricket League (NCL) 2026. He scored 672 runs at an average of 74.66, including one double century, three centuries and two fifties.
At the toss, Shanto said the pitch looked dry and he wanted his batters to put up a good total.
“The wicket looks pretty dry and we would like to put some runs on the board,” Shanto said.
Bangladesh have left out experienced spinner Taijul Islam from the playing XI. Instead, they have picked four pacers in Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz as their main spin option.
Bangladesh will look to make a strong start after losing their recent home Test series against West Indies 1-0.
The second and final Test will begin in Centurion on 23 November.
Bangladesh Playing XI: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mahfijul Islam Robin, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Taskin Ahmed.
