Bangladesh Name Mahfijul Islam in Test Squad for South Africa Tour
Bangladesh have handed uncapped opener Mahfijul Islam his first senior Test call-up, selecting him in a 16-member squad for the upcoming two-Test tour of South Africa. The decision rewards the 21-year-old’s prolific domestic form and gives the selectors a right-handed opening option after Shadman Islam was ruled out with an ankle injury.
Mohammad Naim has also returned to the Test setup for the first time in more than four years. The left-handed batter last appeared in the format against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2022, and had not been included in a Bangladesh Test squad since. His recall comes as the team reshapes its top order ahead of a challenging overseas assignment.
Mahfijul’s domestic form earns a first Test opportunity
Mahfijul has made a strong case for promotion through his performances in the 28th National Cricket League. Representing Mymensingh, he has scored 672 runs in 10 innings at an average of 74.67. His tally includes an unbeaten 217 against Chattogram, a substantial innings that underlined both his consistency and ability to bat for long periods.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar said Bangladesh had been looking for a right-handed opener who could fill the role over an extended period. Mahfijul’s recent form, his previous first-class experience and his outings for the Bangladesh A team all helped strengthen his claim.
“We actually wanted to give Robin [Mahfijul] a little more time to get ready. So I think he proved himself,” Bashar said. “We saw him in first-class, we saw him play for the A team, where he looked very promising.”
The selectors had also considered Mahmudul Hasan Joy, but he became unavailable on medical grounds shortly before the squad was announced. Bashar said the uncertainty around Joy contributed to the delay in finalising the team.
A right-handed option for a demanding tour
Bangladesh’s choice reflects more than a response to Shadman’s injury. Mahfijul offers a right-handed presence at the top of the order, adding variety to a batting group that includes several left-handers. That balance could be useful against South Africa’s pace attack, particularly in conditions where new-ball movement and bounce are expected to test visiting batters.
Bashar also pointed to Mahfijul’s performance during the Bangladesh A team’s visit to South Africa in August. He described the young batter as organised and suggested that his recent displays indicated he was ready to take on the demands of Test cricket.
“Robin seemed ready to us because he played well in the South Africa series. He went with the A team, and he performed reasonably well,” Bashar said. “Looking at his batting, it seems he is very, very organised. If we want to produce a right-handed opener, it seems to me that this is the best time.”
For Mahfijul, selection is an important milestone, but the tour will present a far greater test than domestic cricket. South African pitches can reward disciplined batting while punishing loose technique, making patience and sound judgement essential. His first challenge will be to adapt quickly to the pace and bounce and make the most of any opportunity in the playing XI.
Changes across the squad
Naim’s return is another notable development in the selection. His previous Test appearance came in difficult circumstances in Christchurch, and his recall gives Bangladesh an experienced option as they address the opening vacancy. Whether he partners Tanzid Hasan Tamim or Mahfijul will depend on the team’s final combination and preparations before the first Test.
Fast bowler Khaled Ahmed has also been recalled, while veteran batter Mominul Haque returns after missing the second Test against West Indies. Mominul was forced out of that match after suffering a concussion in the series opener. His experience in the middle order could be valuable on a tour where Bangladesh will need composure as well as resilience.
There are also omissions. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan, both involved in the ongoing Test series against West Indies, have not retained their places. Fast bowler Nahid Rana remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a labrum tear injury.
The selected group combines established names, returning players and a newcomer. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the side, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz named vice-captain. Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mominul provide experience, while the pace attack includes Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain and Khaled.
South Africa Test schedule and tour outlook
Bangladesh are scheduled to depart for South Africa on November 10 and 11. The first Test will begin in Johannesburg on November 15, with the second match set to start in Centurion on November 23. The tour will continue after the Test series with three one-day internationals and three T20 internationals.
The Test matches will be an early measure of Bangladesh’s ability to compete away from home against a strong pace-bowling side. For Mahfijul and Naim, the tour offers a chance to establish themselves in a changing opening group. For the selectors, it is also an opportunity to assess whether domestic performance can translate into success at the highest level.
Any cricket prediction for the series will depend heavily on conditions, team selection and how effectively Bangladesh handle South Africa’s fast bowlers. The visitors will hope their experienced core can provide stability while the new faces bring fresh energy. Mahfijul’s call-up is the clearest sign that the selectors are willing to reward sustained form—and the South Africa tour will show whether he can turn that promise into a lasting place in the Test side.
Bangladesh Test squad for South Africa
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Naim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and Mahfijul Islam.
