Cape Town, South Africa (BBN)-Bangladesh’s good form over the last few months could be a blessing in disguise for South Africa, who are set to tour there in July, says coach Russell Domingo.
Bangladesh recently won their ODI series against India 2-1, a series victory which confirmed they are not to be taken lightly when the Proteas start their tour on 5 July, reports SA Cricket MAG.
The series victory over India was preceded by a 3-0 thrashing of Pakistan in April, which makes Bangladesh a serious threat this time around.
‘It’s not going to be easy, that is for sure,’ Domingo told Die Burger newspaper.
‘However, it does give the team management an opportunity to see how some of the younger players perform in those conditions.
‘It also gives them the chance to gain some experience on the sub-continent, since we will be playing there later in the year as well.’
South Africa will undertake a lengthy tour of India in October and November.
Domingo admitted he had kept a close eye on Bangladesh over the last few months. ‘They play very good cricket and it will test us,’ he said.
One of the players South Africa will definitely keep an eye on is seamer Mustafizur Rahman. He was the big danger man for Bangladesh against India and took 11 wickets in his first two ODI matches.
Rahman took 5-50 on debut in the first ODI and followed it up with 6-43 in the second game.
‘He bowls with a lot of variation and I also noticed that he bowls many of his deliveries out of the back of his hand. We’ll have to wait and see if he gets picked for their Test side as well.’
South Africa will only play one warm-up game ahead of the first T20 match on tour. A few Proteas have played county cricket in England up until now while others last played in the IPL before taking a four-week break.
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