Bangladesh will be looking forward to end their 12-match losing streak when they play the first match of the five-match one-day international series against Zimbabwe in Chittagong today.
The day-night affair, which will start at 1:30 pm, is considered to be the best platform for the hosts to raise their morale before the World Cup after they lost all 50-over matches played in 2014.
Dew could be a crucial factor for the Tigers, which prompted the selectors to reduce their dependence on spinners somewhat and add paceman Shafiul Islam to the 13-man squad at the final hour.
Shafiul is all but certain to appear in the first game at the expense of leg-spinner Jubair Hossian as management are considering to go with three pace bowlers, who included skipper Mashrafee bin Murtaza and fast raising Al-Amin Hossain.
With the World Cup just knocking at the door, this series is considered to be immensely important as far as combination for the big stage is concerned with several spots still up for grabs.
According to insiders, all-rounder Sabbir Rahman is all set to make his ODI debut as management is backing him to fill the spot of Nasir Hossain for the time being until the so-called Finisher wins back his place.
Left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny is expected to play to prove his mettle with the cherry and give himself a chance to fill the shoes of experienced Abdur Razzak, the veteran who seemed to have past his good old days.
Batsman Mominul Haque, who remained in and out of the ODI XI, will be given a chance at number three for out-of-favour Shamsur Rahman, who was not included in the team.
Mashrafee will take over the reign from Mushfiqur Rahim to give the team a fresh breath.
The match is also expected to mark the return of Sakib al Hasan who ahead made his successful return to Test cricket after serving out a ban imposed by the BCB.
The second match of the series will also be held at the same venue on November 23.
-With New Age input
