Bangladesh can expect their Test ranking up in the ICC list producing a tough fight against home side Proteas in their two Tests series starting on Thursday at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.
Though Bangladesh never secured any victory against South Africa in the Test cricket, they produced a remarkable scenario against the other Test playing nations, especially beating Australia and England at home, while the hosts Sri Lanka in the last 12 months.
In South Africa, even a drawn series will help Bangladesh overtake the West Indies to the eighth position on the points table since only one point separates these two sides. On the other hand, South Africa have the danger of slipping behind England with even a 1-0 loss.
Bangladesh toured South Africa twice before for two-Test series each in 2002 and 2008, and suffered innings defeats in all the four matches.
In their previous 10 Test meetings, Bangladesh drew in two games at home against the Proteas in July 2015 and lost on the eight occasions.
The 2nd Test (October 6-10) between Bangladesh and South Africa will be held at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.
