Zimbabwe to bat first against Bangladesh

Visiting Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza has won the toss and decided to bat first in the first Test against Bangladesh at the picturesque Sylhet International Stadium, which is hosting its first five-day game.

Hosts are looking to boost their Test record in the two-match series against Zimbabwe despite missing big names Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal.

Ariful Haque and Nazmul Islam have been handed debuts for Bangladesh side and Mavuta for Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh have lost seven of their last eight Tests and failed to get past 200 runs in any of their last six innings.

They were skittled out for 43 in their first of two defeats in West Indies in July.

"We did not do very well in West Indies. Still there is plenty of room to improve. We have home series against them (West Indies) ahead of us," stand-in skipper Mahmudullah Riyad told newsmen on Friday.

"I think these two matches are a good opportunity for us. The important thing is that it's an opportunity for young players to perform."

Zimbabwe skipper Hamilton Masakadza is also looking for better performances after a 3-0 loss in the one-day international series in Bangladesh.

"We don't play a lot of longer-version cricket. We really see the important value of it. We are looking to come out firing," said Masakadza.

"Bangladesh have had an indifferent past in the longer version so for a start in the series, different things are required from each team."

Bangladesh XI: 1 Liton Das, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Nazmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Mominul Haque, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 6 Mahmudullah (capt), 7 Ariful Haque, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Taijul Islam, 10 Nazmul Islam, 11 Abu Jayed

Zimbabwe XI: 1 Hamilton Masakadza (capt), 2 Brian Chari, 3 Craig Ervine, 4 Brendan Taylor, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 PJ Moor, 8 Regis Chakabva (wk), 8 Brandon Mavuta, 9 Wellington Masakadza, 10 Kyle Jarvis, 11 Tendai Chatara

Source: Prothom Alo