Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and decided to bat first against Zimbabwe in the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

The Tigers picked six batters, one all-rounder, and four bowlers in their playing XI, leaving Zakir Hasan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Nayeem Hasan, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib on the bench.

Just like Bangladesh, who opted for a three-man pace attack, Zimbabwe also included three pacers — Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Victor Nyauchi — keeping in mind the greenish nature of the wicket, which is likely to assist the fast bowlers.

This is the first Test between these two familiar opponents since 2021. The two sides have faced each other in 18 Tests previously, with Bangladesh winning eight times and Zimbabwe coming out on top on seven occasions. The remaining three matches ended in a draw.

Bangladesh had their best-ever year in Tests abroad and their worst possible one at home last year.

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Tigers eye bringing away form in home Tests

While touring, Bangladesh played six Tests, winning three — the most ever in a calendar year for them — and losing three. For the first time ever, the Tigers beat Pakistan 2-0 in a Test series and also ended their 15-year wait to clinch a Test victory against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

But at home, the Shanto-led side lost all four Tests they played, getting clean-swept 2-0 by both Sri Lanka and South Africa.

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Zimbabwe out to redeem Test record

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's only Test victory over Bangladesh in more than a decade came at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh XI: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (wicketkeeper), Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana

Zimbabwe XI: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (captain), Wessly Madhevere, Nyasha Mayavo (wicketkeeper), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Victor Nyauchi