Bangladesh out to wrap up series

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Match facts

Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Start time 12:30 local (06:30 GMT)

Big picture

The 2-0 lead going into the third ODI obviously puts Zimbabwe in a do-or-die situation but at the same time, Bangladesh will be under pressure too. They would be expected to close out the five-match series with a third consecutive win, and simply doing that would be a task in itself.

The year so far has been of two extremes for Bangladesh: nine months of losing followed by four weeks of winning. The turnaround in the Zimbabwe series was much needed, and they will want to extend the victorious streak.

The home side has a few more performers to bank on. Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque have made important runs, adding 158 for the opening partnership in the second ODI, the team's second highest. Mominul Haque has shown he can bat at a lower position and still make a contribution.

Mashrafe Mortaza, despite not being satisfied with his own performance, has led from the front. Arafat Sunny took four wickets, and generally bowled tightly whenever asked to do the job. Shakib Al Hasan was out for a golden duck in the second game but hit back with a very important late spell to keep Elton Chigumbura quiet.

For the visitors, Solomon Mire was a welcome addition to their performers' list. The young allrounder reached his maiden ODI fifty and looks like a strong hitter. Chigumbura was proud of his bowlers and the fielding but still they remain inconsistent with the bat. The top-order was in too much of a rush while the middle-order couldn't keep up as soon the required-rate rose.

Despite Zimbabwe's indifferent form, the third ODI promises much. Bangladesh have the chance to clinch the series early, and that should be motivation enough for Chigumbura's men to put together a fighting performance.

Form guide

Bangladesh WWLLL
Zimbabwe LLLWL

In the spotlight

Elton Chigumbura made a telling contribution in the field in the second ODI and had he stayed till the end with the bat during the chase, Bangladesh would have had a real match on their hands. He will be expected to play a more central role in the next game.

Mominul Haque gave away a good start at No. 3 but did a good job in the demanding No. 7 position, despite it being a spot he isn't used to. He could revert to his original position again, and will be expected to make a major contribution, given the chance.

Team news

Bangladesh have dropped Al-Amin Hossain to have a look at Shafiul Islam. He has been released to play in the Dhaka Premier League for Abahani. Otherwise there is little expectation of a change in the rest of the line-up.

Bangladesh: 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Anamul Haque, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Sabbir Rahman, 8 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 9 Arafat Sunny, 10 Shafiul Islam, 11, Rubel Hossain

Zimbabwe persisted with the same line-up for the first two ODIs, but there could be places up for grabs in the crunch game. They may surprise Bangladesh with Timycen Maruma or Peter Moor.

Zimbabwe: 1 Sikandar Raza, 2 Hamilton Masakadza, 3 Vusi Sibanda, 4 Brendan Taylor, 5 Regis Chakabva (wk), 6 Elton Chigumbura (capt), 7 John Nyumbu, 8 Tinashe Panyangara, 9 Tendai Chatara, 10 Solomon Mire, 11 Tafadzwa Kamungozi

Pitch and conditions

The Shere Bangla National Stadium pitches have been playing well in the six Dhaka Premier League matches held there this month. Batsmen have scored at 4.47 per over, though the team batting first will arguably have the better batting conditions.

Stats and trivia

• Bangladesh have completed 100 international wins - 82 in ODIs, 7 Tests and 11 in T20s.

• Mashrafe has become the second Bangladeshi after Shakib Al Hasan to have won ten or more Man-of-the-Match awards.

Quotes

"We are certainly playing a one-off game that we must win. I hope the guys bounce back."
Vusi Sibanda

"There is no chance of taking it easy just because we are 2-0 ahead. We will definitely look to clinch the series tomorrow."
Mashrafe Mortaza