South Africa vs Bangladesh – 1st One-Day International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is South Africa vs Bangladesh taking place? Friday, March 18th, 2022 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is South Africa vs Bangladesh taking place? SuperSport Park, Centurion
What is the expected weather for South Africa vs Bangladesh? 25c with sunshine and cloudy intervals
What channel is South Africa vs Bangladesh on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream South Africa vs Bangladesh? The match can be streamed live on the SkyGo app
LAST MEETING
Bangladesh beat South Africa by 21 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
SOUTH AFRICA
- This ODI series arrives during somewhat of a storm for South African cricket with a number of their players opting to join up with their respective IPL franchises rather than fulfil Test match commitments for the Proteas following these three ODIs.
- However, all those players will be available to play in this match apart from fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who is injured and has not featured for his country since the T20 World Cup.
- Temba Bavuma will captain the side with wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock also in the squad and expected to play a key role at the top of the order with the bat.
BANGLADESH
- Bangladesh’s most recent international series came last month when they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Afghanistan and will be hoping to carry that momentum into these three matches, starting on Friday.
- All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has locked horns with the BCB over his workload, with the veteran star eventually making himself available for selection here, following an original decision being made to rest him until April 30th.
- The tourists have been making moves off the pitch to give themselves the best chance in this ODI series, employing Albie Morkel as a power-hitting coach, who will join up with fast-bowling coach Allan Donald and head coach Russell Domingo
THE PREDICTION
Both nations head into this encounter with a cloud hanging over them regarding off-the-pitch matters and it remains to be seen whether this will affect either team at SuperSport Park. Bangladesh have proven themselves capable of beating the Proteas before in 50-over cricket, having done so in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. However, to do so in the back of South Africa will prove a far tougher assignment and provided the minds of the home side's IPL stars are focused firmly on the task in hand, then South Africa should emerge victorious in this first ODI.
