The Wanderers Stadium pitch for the SA vs BAN 1st Test should suit batting, with a first-innings average of 311, though scores drop through the match. Batting first has won 18 of the 39 Tests played here and bowling first 11. Light rain is forecast for Day 1, Sunday, November 15, 2026, with a 20% chance of rain, 62% humidity and a 19 km/h wind. The match starts at 10:00 AM local time (1:30 PM IST).
The two-Test series is level at 0-0, and both matches count towards the ICC World Test Championship. Temba Bavuma leads South Africa, and Najmul Hossain Shanto captains Bangladesh. In India, live streaming is on FanCode and the TV broadcast is on Eurosport.
The Wanderers Stadium Pitch Report for SA vs BAN 1st Test
| Factor | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Pitch type | Good for batting, with scores dropping steadily through the four innings |
| Par first-innings score | Around 311 (venue average: 311) |
| Best for batting | The first innings, before the pitch wears |
| Fast bowlers | New ball and the first session, with light rain and cloud around |
| Spinners | Likely to come into play late, as the fourth-innings average is only 204 |
| Outfield | To be confirmed |
| Toss advantage | Batting first has won 18 Tests here and bowling first 11 |
Day-by-Day Pitch Behaviour
| Day | How the Pitch Is Likely to Play |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Light rain and cloud, with the new ball likely to do a little before batting gets easier, and a short interruption is possible |
| Day 2 | Mostly sunny, and a good day for batting |
| Day 3 | Mostly sunny, and the pitch starts to wear as the third-innings average here is 254 |
| Day 4 | Partly cloudy and cooler, with the pitch offering more help to the spinners |
| Day 5 | Chasing is tough, and the average fourth-innings score here is 204 |
How the Pitch Plays at The Wanderers Stadium
Details on the soil, bounce and grass cover have not been confirmed. The venue stats show 39 Tests, with 18 won batting first and 11 won bowling first, and the remaining 10 not won by either side. The first-innings average is 311 and the second-innings average is 278, before scores drop to 254 in the third innings and 204 in the fourth.
The highest total here is 652/7 by Australia against South Africa, and the highest chase is 310/8 by Australia against South Africa. The lowest total is 49/10 by Pakistan against South Africa, and the lowest score defended is 72/10 by South Africa against England. The ground has seen big totals and quick collapses, so it can reward and punish.
Johannesburg Weather Forecast for SA vs BAN 1st Test
| Day | Date | Conditions | Temperature (High / Low) | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sunday, November 15 | Light rain | 26°C / 15°C | 20% |
| Day 2 | Monday, November 16 | Mostly sunny | 28°C / 15°C | To be confirmed |
| Day 3 | Tuesday, November 17 | Mostly sunny | 27°C / 14°C | To be confirmed |
| Day 4 | Wednesday, November 18 | Partly cloudy | 23°C / 15°C | To be confirmed |
| Day 5 | Thursday, November 19 | Mostly sunny | 29°C / 17°C | To be confirmed |
Day 1 is mild, with light rain, humidity around 62% and wind of about 19 km/h. The temperature is about 21°C by 11 AM, reaches 24°C by 2 PM and peaks near 25°C by 5 PM. The cloud and moisture could help the new ball early on, and the 19 km/h wind may also affect high shots and catches. The rest of the Test looks dry, so a result should be possible.
Must Read: SA vs BAN 1st Test 2026: List of Umpires
The Wanderers Stadium Test Records and Stats
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 39 |
| Won batting first | 18 |
| Won bowling first | 11 |
| Average first-innings score | 311 |
| Average second-innings score | 278 |
| Average third-innings score | 254 |
| Average fourth-innings score | 204 |
| Highest total | 652/7 (146 overs) by Australia vs South Africa |
| Lowest total | 49/10 (29.1 overs) by Pakistan vs South Africa |
| Highest score chased | 310/8 (86.5 overs) by Australia vs South Africa |
| Lowest score defended | 72/10 (33.4 overs) by South Africa vs England |
The ground has a capacity of 34,000. Its two ends are the Corlett Drive End and the Golf Course End.
Also Read: India U19 Beat Pakistan Off the Last Ball to Win Asia Cup 2026
SA vs BAN Test Head-to-Head Record
| Matches | South Africa Won | Bangladesh Won | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 14 | 0 | 2 |
What Should the Captains Do at The Wanderers Stadium?
Bat first if the toss is won. Batting first has won 18 of 39 Tests here, and a first-innings total of 311 or more puts pressure on the side batting last, since the average fourth-innings score is only 204. Light rain and cloud on Day 1 can help the new ball, so the openers will need to see off the first session. Use the new ball well. South Africa have Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje and Dane Paterson, and Bangladesh have Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain. Bring on spin as the pitch wears. Both squads carry spin options, including Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer for South Africa, and Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz for Bangladesh. With dry weather forecast for the rest of the match, a result is likely, so the side ahead after three days can push for a win.
Must Read: SA vs BAN 1st Test Live Streaming
