The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

Bangladesh National Cricket team led by Shakib Al Hasan will take on Zimbabwe National Cricket team led by Prosper Utseya today in the first of the five One Day International (ODI) series, which starts at 2.30 PM BST (Bangladesh Standard Time) at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh Television will telecast the day-night affair from the stadium.

Zimbabwe team started their Bangladesh campaign on an unhappy note as the visitors tasted a four-wicket defeat by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) XI in the first practice one-dayer match at the Fatullah Stadium on October 23. Later, Zimbabwe took a sweet revenge as the touring side defeated BCB XI by 192 runs in the second one-dayer match at the same venue on October 25.

The outfield, the pitch and the galleries are set to prepared to stage the first ODI between the almost two equal teams.

Shakib Al Hasan, who is now the number one ODI all-rounder in the world according to the ICC ranking said, 'Our strengths are almost equal. A mistake could prove very costly. There is a fifty/fifty chance for both sides. If we can play according to our game plan, we will show positive approach.'

On the other hand, Prosper Utseya said, 'Playing any home team is tough and we will probably start as underdogs. We will give it our best and try to put pressure on Bangladesh.'