Bangladesh will aim to start the three-match ODI series on a winning note as the visitors face hosts Zimbabwe Friday at Harare Sports Club.
The series is important for Bangladesh as these three matches are part of the newly formed ODI Super League where each win is vital for direct qualification to the next World Cup.
Bangladesh are currently sitting in second position in the super league where they have won five matches from nine, earning 50 points so far.
England are at the top with 95 points from 15 matches with nine wins.
Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal is hopeful of a winning start but admitted it will be a tough challenge away in Harare this time as the first match of the series is always important as it sets the tone.
“We have to start the series well. That’s the key point. We need to utilize every opportunity. We are hopeful we can make a winning start. The bowlers might get benefit in the early hour of the game. So if we bat, we have to face that challenge. And if we bowl, then we need to utilize the condition well also,” said Tamim during a virtual press conference on the eve of the first ODI.
Bangladesh team are battling with injuries as captain Tamin himself is not fully fit.
The left-handed opening batsman is suffering from a knee injury although, he batted in the practice match with wrapping tape in his troublesome knee.
Left arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman is uncertain for the first match as the key bowler is nursing an ankle injury.
“About my injury, it will not heal soon. This is not going to heal even after taking five-six days’ rest. It will take time. Physio has given me a plan. Now I am trying to manage the injury without taking risks. (Wednesday) I batted in the practice match. I didn't feel that much of a problem. Hopefully I will continue this way in this series,” Tamim said.
“Physio is observing Mustafizur’s injury. At the moment his playing chance is 50-50. (Friday) we will make a decision as to whether he plays or not,” he added.
Bangladesh are missing the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim in the middle-order as the right handed wicketkeeper-batsman has flown back home due to personal reasons.
Tamim is not fully fit either and all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is not in his best touch with either bat or ball since he made a return to international cricket.
But Tamim is confident with Shakib and believes the left-arm all-rounder will get back to form soon.
“I am always optimistic. I believe a player like his (Shakib) caliber can perform at any time, any day. Maybe with the ball or with the bat, Shkaib will perform soon. It’s natural for a player to go through a rough patch at this level. But I believe he will return to form soon,” Tamim concluded.