Dhaka, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bangladesh have included uncapped opening batter Mahfijul Islam in their 16-member squad for the two-Test tour of South Africa, while Mohammad Naim has earned a recall after four years.
The selections reward the pair’s impressive performances in the ongoing National Cricket League first-class tournament. Mahfijul has scored 672 runs in 10 innings, including three centuries and a double hundred, while Naim has accumulated 612 runs in seven innings, with two double centuries?
Naim’s return comes as Bangladesh are without Shadman Islam, who sustained an ankle injury during the ongoing home Test series against the West Indies. Naim has played just one Test, against New Zealand in 2022.
Mahfijul, meanwhile, has been brought in to provide a right-handed opening option. Chief selector Habibul Bashar said the team management had been looking for a right-handed opener and believed the youngster had shown enough promise in first-class cricket and matches for the emerging team.
Bashar also revealed that Mahmudul Hasan Joy had been considered but was ruled out for medical reasons shortly before the squad announcement. He praised Naim’s recent first-class form and performances during Bangladesh A’s tour of South Africa earlier this year.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana has again missed selection as he continues his recovery from a labrum tear. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan have also been left out, while pacer Khaled Ahmed returns to the squad. Mominul Haque, who missed the second West Indies Test after suffering a concussion, has been included.
Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh will begin the series in Johannesburg on November 15. The second Test is scheduled to start in Centurion on November 23. The tour will subsequently feature three ODIs and three T20Is.
Bangladesh Test Squad: 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.
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