South Africa toured Bangladesh in February 2008 for two Tests and three ODIs. Though they were expected to win with ease, South Africa were made to work hard for victory in the opening Test. Cricinfo recorded that Hossain "bowled at a lively pace and with tremendous control" to help Bangladesh gain a first-innings lead. He claimed career-best figures of 6/27, and despite a further three in the second innings South Africa won by five wickets. Bangladesh lost the second match by an innings and 205 runs with Hossain taking 3/107. In January 2009 Shahadat was dropped from the national side. Chief selector Rafiqul Alam stated that Shahadat was too expensive, having conceded runs at 6.63 an over in 18 ODIs in 2008, and believed he would benefit from returning to domestic cricket.