South Africa Wary of Bangladesh Pacers as Harmer, Maharaj and Markram Urge Caution

South Africa are taking a cautious approach before the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Proteas spinner Simon Harmer says Bangladesh have become a much stronger and more balanced side than before, with their improvement in pace bowling in particular now visible to opponents.

Bangladesh's recent performances have changed for the better. The Tigers drew a series on Australian soil, and against the West Indies in the Sylhet Test they showed a fighting mentality, drawing the match on the back of Tawhid Hridoy's 242-run innings.

Harmer said Bangladesh have improved far beyond their earlier level. Their squad includes bowlers who can bowl at extreme pace, good-quality spinners and capable batters, so the series will be a tough test for South Africa and Bangladesh are not being taken lightly in any way.

South Africa's other spinner, Keshav Maharaj, spoke in the same vein. He said Bangladesh have always been competitive in white-ball cricket, but greater balance in pace bowling and batting, along with the emergence of young cricketers, has made the team stronger still.

Maharaj said the drawn series in Australia proved Bangladesh's ability once again. The side has several quality pacers, talented young cricketers are coming through, the batting has found good balance, and world-class spinners are already there.

South Africa all-rounder Aiden Markram gave the greatest weight to Bangladesh's improvement. He said Bangladesh were already good against spin, but their batters can now also adjust much better against pace and bounce.

Markram said Bangladesh also have bowlers suited to pace-friendly conditions. He sees the Australia tour performance as major proof of Bangladesh's progress and believes Bangladesh will take the field in South Africa with the same goal and mentality.

The first match of the two-Test series begins on November 15 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The second Test starts on November 23 in Centurion. The series is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship.

After the Tests, the two teams will also play a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20 series.

South Africa are the number one team in the ICC Test rankings, while Bangladesh are fifth. South Africa will play the series at home in familiar conditions with full gallery support. Bangladesh have never won a Test on South African soil.