Bangladesh will take on visiting Zimbabwe in the first ODI of a three-match day-night series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today (Sunday).
The match will begin at 2:30pm Bangladesh time and the Tigers' fans have already known that they are going to miss the displays from dashing opener Tamim Iqbal and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in the series as both are sidelined from the squad due to injury, reports UNB.
Despite not having two senior dependable players, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza expressed optimism before the start of the series as he said, "We are confident. We hope for the win."
The inspirational captain informed that his boys took preparation in a way that they can cover the gap in the absence of Tamim and Shakib.
"It is known to all that Tamim and Shakib will not with us. So, we have preparation to face the challenges without them," Mashrafe was talking at a pre-match press conference at the match venue on Saturday.
Mashrafe assured to form the best possible eleven and hoped the boys, who will get chance into eleven, will have opportunities to prove themselves through the series before the World Cup 2019.
"Since it is Mirpur, it is tough to predict how it will play. We are not expecting the wicket [pitch] to be slow or with turn right from the start. We are hoping for a good wicket," said Mashrafe replying to a query. According to Mashrafe, the score range from 250 to 260 can be defendable against Zimbabwe at Mirpur ground.
Pace bowler Rubel Hossain is suffering from fever. Bangladesh may pick both Imrul Kayes and Nazmul Hossain Shanto in the top order alongside Liton Kumar Das for the opening slot. At number seven, it is a three-way battle among Mohammad Saifuddin, uncapped Ariful Haque and Fazle Mahmud.
Zimbabwean skipper Hamilton Masakadza is happy to have Sikandar Raza back in his squad and said, "Having everyone around is a big plus for the team. Apart from Graeme [Cremer], who is still injured, we have everyone around which is a positive for the team."
H Masakadza also expects positive results. "We are familiar with the condition of Bangladesh and with the team. Yes, we lost to South Africa, but the main thing is to focus on tomorrow. Stay positive, play positive is the principle for win against Bangladesh."
"Yes, Bangladesh improved a lot in the last couple of years, but we are still positive and have chance," H Masakadza added.
In their previous 69 ODI encounters, Bangladesh registered 41 victories against 28 losses. Zimbabwe also arrived in the midst of a seven-month losing streak, having been whitewashed by both Pakistan and South Africa in their last two series.
Squads Bangladesh: Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (captain), Liton Kumar Das, Imrul Kayes, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah Riyad, Ariful Haque, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam Apu, Rubel Hossain, Abu Hider Rony, Saifuddin and Fazle Rabbi.
Zimbabwe: Hamilton Masakadza (captain), Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, John Nyumbu, Wellington Masakadza, Tarisai Musakanda, Tendai Chatara and Cephas Zhuwao.
