Bangladesh Seek Momentum in ODI Series

Chittagong: After clean sweep in Test series, Bangladesh now aim to dominate Zimbabwe in the five-match ODI series to kick-start at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Friday.

Bangladesh are clear favourites after beating Zimbabwe by three wickets, 162 runs and 186 runs in the Tests. Their batsmen and bowlers are in better form than Zimbabwe's, and with the wholly partisan Bangladeshi crowds acting as an overpowering 12th man, it is easy to feel sorry for Elton Chigumbura's side as they start the best-of-five contest.

Shakib Al Hasan's return to the side after the BCB cut short his ban, and the veteran - even though he is just 27 - reminded any doubters about his contributions as a world-class allrounder with 251 runs and 18 wickets.

In ODIs, Shakib becomes an even bigger contributor and his record against Zimbabwe (batting average 42.88, bowling average 25.03) makes him a proper thorn in the side's flesh.

Zimbabwe were let down by their all-round cricket in the Tests and this lethargy must be quickly dispensed in a format to which they are better attuned.

In their most recent ODI outing, a tri-series at home in August-September, Zimbabwe famously beat Australia and it is such performances that they must collectively hark back to as they face a team that have only beaten 11 of 28 times on Bangladesh soil.

Teams from

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt.), Arafat Sunny, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Jubair Hossain, Sabbir Rahman

Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor (wk), Regis Chakabva (wk), Sikandar Raza, Timycen Maruma, Vusi Sibanda, Elton Chigumbura (Capt.), Malcolm Waller, Brian Vitori, Natsai Mushangwe, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Peter Moor (wk), Richmond Mutumbami, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Tawanda Mupariwa, Solomon Mire, Neville Madziva, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Tendai Chatara

Stats and trivia

• Ahead of the start of the series, Shakib is also Bangladesh's highest-ranked player on the ICC ODI player rankings for allrounders, in third place.
• The series will also be the first in which Mashrafe Mortaza will lead Bangladesh after being re-appointed in place of Mushfiqur Rahim.

Match facts
Friday November 21, 2014 (day/night)
Sart time 13:30 local (07:30 GMT)