adminDHAKA. – Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza wants an ODI whitewash ahead of their third meeting with Zimbabwe as the contest shifts to Mirpur today.
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 all-rounder 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. – Cricinfo.
Online Reporter