'We want to play without fear'

Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan reiterates desire to play positive cricket in the ODI series against South Africa.

Although Tamim Iqbal and Mustafizur Rahman are missing out on the first ODI between Bangladesh and South Africa at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley today, there will be one welcome return in the form of top-ranked all-rounder and Bangladesh's best player Shakib Al Hasan.

Shakib had asked for and been granted a break from the Test leg of the tour, with Bangladesh going on to losing the two Tests by 333 runs and an innings an 254-run margins.

"The Test series obviously did not go well for us," Shakib told official broadcasters SuperSport as his teammates were getting ready for the first ODI. "But we have been playing well in this format for the last three years.

"We want to play fearless cricket. We want to be positive and play without fear."

Shakib said that he felt refreshed after the break and is now eager to get back to business.

"I wanted the break to be refreshed. Hopefully because of this I can play for more years for Bangladesh."