Shakib Al Hasan is cricket's top-ranked all-rounder and coach Chandika Hathurusingha expects him to play a leading role in Bangladesh's quest for another big scalp at the World Cup.

While Bangladesh's deeds have been modest at Test level, the Tigers have beaten Australia by five wickets in an ODI at Cardiff in 2005 before knocking India out of the 2007 World Cup to move beyond the first round for the only time in the tournament.

Bangladesh start their 2015 World Cup campaign against debutants Afghanistan in Canberra on Wednesday and Hathurusingha, who has coaching experience in Australia, is tipping big things from Shakib.

"We've got the No.1 all-rounder in all formats of the game ... he's a key player for us, I'm expecting him to perform and take a lead role and lead us from the front," Hathurusingha said.

"I think you have seen him a little bit for Melbourne Renegades. He's an explosive batter when he gets in and he can control the game, and he's a very clever bowler."

Shakib is the only Bangladesh player from the current squad to have played some cricket in Australia in the months leading up to the World Cup, having had a short stint with Melbourne Renegades in the Twenty20 Big Bash League.

"I think winning for any team is important, (but) for Bangladesh especially. This is an opportunity for them to prove where they're at with world cricket," said Hathurusingha, who was New South Wales assistant coach when they won the Sheffield Shield final last year.

"So winning, for me, is the No.1 thing, it's not just participating, but the key for us is to perform to our expectation, our standard.

"If we do that, certain games we'll surprise the opposition."

Shakib has been Bangladesh's talisman since 2009 and his all-round form has hardly dipped despite the team's rollercoaster win-loss record during that period.

"I am also looking forward to the young players and see what they do for us in this big stage," Hathurusingha said.

"It is a first time in Australia for many of our players and although some of them have played here, it wasn't in the major venues. We are looking forward to doing well here."

"The pressure is there in the World Cup, especially in the first game. Any team wouldn't know what to expect," he said.

"We are all a bit nervous. We are expecting to do well. I think it is a good thing to feel a bit of tension, whether against Afghanistan, Australia or New Zealand.

"It is important to win the first game. We are focusing on doing well, what we can do. If we perform to our best, we can give a good fight."