It has to be said that Zimbabwe by far has been the better side in the ‘battle of minnows”. The fact that Bangladesh have won only one game on the tour further drives home the point that the Asian team is on a slump. Zimbabwe, on the other hand seem to have found the right mix of players that can carry forward the team for years to come.
Even though, the hosts were defeated in the last stage, their overall performance in the series has been satisfactory. The skipper, Brendon Taylor has led by example, a fighting century in the fourth one-dayer may have gone in vain but he seems set for many more.
With the series already decided in their favour, the hosts would look to end the series on a winning note before they face a much stiffer opposition- Pakistan in a similar ODI series next month.
Bangladesh, on the contrary have been disappointing. On paper, they are a far better team but they haven’t been able to use the resources well. The batting has collapsed on numerous occasions on flat decks, thus allowing Zimbabwe to win matches without much trouble. The bowlers and fielders haven’t performed either, though there have been some bright spots- Mushfiqur Rahim’s valiant century and Rubel Hossian’s two four-wicket hauls have stood out so far.
The last match of the tour provides Bangladesh an opportunity to salvage some pride even if the series has slipped out of their hand. For them, pride would be at stake if not glory.
Zimbabwe Squad: Brendan Taylor (c), Brian Vitori, Christopher Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Elton Chigumbura, Forster Mutizwa, Hamilton Masakadza, Keegan Meth, Kyle Jarvis, Malcolm Waller, Prosper Utseya, Regis Chakabva, Tatenda Taibu (wk), Tendai Chatara, Ray Price, Vusimuzi Sibanda.
Bangladesh Squad: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain, Shahriar Nafees, Robiul Islam, Shuvagoto Hom, Nasir Hossain.
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