1.2: Shoriful Islam to Ben Curran, Hits the deck hard, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.

17:10 IST:

1.1: Shoriful Islam to Ben Curran, A bit of jag back in, on off, Ben Curran tucks it to mid-wicket.

17:10 IST:

Tafadzwa Tsiga walks in at number 3. Also, Shoriful Islam to share the attack.

17:09 IST:

0.6: Taskin Ahmed to Brian Bennett, OUT! LBW! A wicket-maiden from Taskin Ahmed. Back of a length, just outside off, and it nips in sharply. Bennett rocks back and looks to punch it but the ball goes through the gate and just over the leg pole. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Bennett has a word with Ben Curran and decides to send it upstairs. Ultra Edge shows that the ball was hitting his pads and Ball Tracking shows that the ball was just clipping the bails. We have to go with the umpire's call of OUT. Brian Bennett departs for a duck.

17:06 IST:

0.5: Taskin Ahmed to Brian Bennett, Tight leave! Angling in from outside off, Brian Bennett reads it well and makes a tight leave. 

17:05 IST:

0.4: Taskin Ahmed to Brian Bennett, Beaten! Pitched up, outside off, shaping away. Brian Bennett has a waft at it but misses. Four dots in a row from Taskin.

17:05 IST:

0.3: Taskin Ahmed to Brian Bennett, Some movement! Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Brian Bennett tries to slap it but misses.

17:04 IST:

0.2: Taskin Ahmed to Brian Bennett, Back of a length, just outside off, Brian Bennett looks to punch it but fends it to the cover fielder. 

17:03 IST:

0.1: Taskin Ahmed to Brian Bennett, Taskin Ahmed starts with a short ball, outside off, Brian Bennett leaves it alone.

17:02 IST:

Right then, we are done with the prematch formalities. Bangladesh fielders spread out in the middle and take their respective field positions. Brian Bennett and Ben Curran open up for Zimbabwe. Taskin Ahmed has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

16:54 IST:

Time for the National Anthems - We are all set for the action to begin. Both sides stride out in the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Zimbabwe's first, followed by the national anthem of Bangladesh.

16:51 IST:

PITCH REPORT - Farveez Maharoof is down to inspect the conditions in Abu Dhabi. He informs that it is 65 meters on either side of the square. About the weather, he notes it is very warm in the mid 30s and also mentions that it is fairly humid as well. However, he is quick to point out the breeze blowing across the ground which will help the players to stay cool. Coming to the pitch, he notes that it is the same surface that was used for the Test match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The one difference he spots is about 3 mm of grass left on it and notes that it is pretty hard underneath as well. Maharoof then points out that in the last 10 ODIs at the Abu Dhabi Stadium, the side batting first has won eight times, with an average score of 264. And reckons that would be a very competitive score on this pitch, especially while defending under the lights.

16:42 IST:

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy (C), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan (WK), Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.

16:42 IST:

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (C), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani. On ODI debut - Tafadzwa Tsiga.

16:38 IST:

The captain of Bangladesh - Towhid Hridoy says they would have batted first as well, but adds that the wicket looks fresh, so they will try to exploit the conditions. On being asked about Litton's absence, Hridoy informs that Das has a bit of an injury so he is not playing this game. About the team combination, he informs that they are going with three pacers and a couple of spinners. As for what the series means, Hridoy says every match matters to them. With a World Cup on the horizon and an Asia Cup at home to follow, he adds, this is the time to prepare well.

16:40 IST:

The captain of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza says that they will bat first. Adds that the wicket looks dry and it favours batting first. He adds that they don't have a total in mind but they will try to get as many runs as they can. On the importance of the tri-nation series ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Raza says it is hugely important because Zimbabwe will not have much international cricket after this. Notes that only the India fixtures remain, and May, June and July look busy too. So he says every ODI that comes their way is a chance to fine-tune things, find the right combinations and try new players, which is why he calls the series extremely important for their World Cup preparation. He ends by saying that they are going with three pacers and two spinners.