But Otago Cricket Association chief executive Ross Dykes believes the city will support the event, the first ODI to be played at the University Oval, even if the match promises to be a one-sided affair.
Wednesday's twenty/20 international in Hamilton was a poor advertisement for the three-match one-day series which begins in Napier this afternoon.
The Black Caps humbled the tourist by 10 wickets after a woeful batting display left the home side chasing a paltry target of 79.
Openers Brendon McCullum and debutant Peter Ingram made short work of the chase, overhauling the total in the ninth over.
But Dykes was keen to put a positive spin on Monday's match.
"It was disappointing that Bangladesh didn't compete [on Wednesday]," he said.
"But then, I think people will be pleased to go and see this New Zealand side, which is playing pretty well.
"I think the people of Dunedin will support it, simply because they are going to see a New Zealand side play a form of cricket that has not been down here for so long."
The game was played on the reserve day in bitterly cold conditions.
The forecast for Monday is considerably better - fine with morning cloud and some easterly breezes.
Poor weather disrupted Otago's twenty/20 campaign and cost the association up to $20,000 in lost revenue when a match against Wellington was abandoned without a ball.
While the weather on Monday should not be an issue, Dykes acknowledged it was not the best time slot for an ODI, with most people back at work following the traditional holiday season.
"It wouldn't be our choice of days, but neither would Tuesday or Wednesday.
"So it is just a matter of squeezing the opportunity in.
"We've just got to make the best of it and not use it as an excuse for anything."
Players can pick up their gear and move quickly but the broadcaster needs more time to set up and the haul from Napier to Dunedin probably ruled out a Sunday time slot.
Dykes was not sure how many people would file through the gates but said the amount of interest "in the last couple of days was quite strong".
Otago drew a crowd of 2810 for its twenty/20 match against Auckland on January 15 and, with the temporary stand still in place, the University Oval has a capacity of about 3500.
Some fine weather over the past week has helped groundsman Tom Tamati with the pitch preparations and Dykes said most of the planning was well in hand.
The association has hosted three tests and was not doing anything too differently other than being more "alert" to security issues with one-dayers not as "leisurely" as tests.
