Sports · Cricket · 10 hrs ago
Mahfijul Islam earns first Bangladesh Test call-up for South Africa tour
Bangladesh named a 16-player squad for its two-Test tour of South Africa, which begins in Johannesburg on November 15.
Uncapped batter Mahfijul Islam earned his first Test call-up after strong performances in domestic first-class cricket, including a double century and a century in his last three matches.
The 22-year-old has scored more than 1,000 runs in 19 first-class appearances.
Opener Shadman Islam missed selection with an ankle injury suffered while fielding against the West Indies.
Naim Sheikh returns to the Test squad, while Khaled Ahmed is also back and Mominul Haque returns after concussion protocol; fast bowler Nahid Rana remains absent after an injury.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto leads a squad that also includes senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim.
The South Africa series gives Bangladesh a chance to improve its fifth-place standing in the World Test Championship.
Bangladesh named uncapped batter Mahfijul Islam in its squad for a two-Test series in South Africa.
The 16-member squad was announced on November 9, 2026.
Mahfijul earned his maiden call-up after strong performances in the domestic first-class season.
He has scored more than 1,000 runs in 19 first-class appearances, at an average of 33.67.
The squad also includes the returning Khaled Ahmed and Naim Sheikh.
- Who
- Bangladesh selected uncapped batter Mahfijul Islam for its Test squad.
- What
- Bangladesh announced a 16-member squad for a two-Test series against South Africa.
- When
- November 9, 2026.
- Where
- The series will be played in South Africa.
- Why
- Mahfijul was called up after strong domestic first-class performances, including a double century and a century across his last three matches.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mahfijul scored a double century and a century across his last three matches.
Bangladesh announced its 16-member squad for the two-Test series in South Africa.
- Squad size
- 16 players
- Series
- Two Tests against South Africa
- Mahfijul’s age
- 22
- First-class record
- More than 1,000 runs in 19 appearances; average of 33.67
- Squad captain
- Najmul Hossain Shanto