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But the 1-1 scoreline after nine absorbing days in Harare means the “favourites on paper” theory is not applicable to these two teams.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s side should carry some momentum from the 143-run in the second Test.
The most encouraging sign for them has been the middle-order bouncing back from a wretched time in the first match.
Mushfiqur, Shakib Al Hasan and Nasir Hossain have scored two fifties each, while Tamim Iqbal has shown he can still bring out his A-game despite a thumb injury.
The visitors’ bowling too has more edge to it.
Robiul Islam was adjudged Man of the Series for his 15 wickets, brought mostly through accuracy and the regular use of the outswinger.
He will have to bring a bit more of his skills into this format, one he hasn’t played yet at international level.
Robiul is expected to make his debut alongside Shamsur Rahman, who’s likely to open with Tamim at some stage of the limited-overs leg of the tour.
Zimbabwe have April 17 to 20 to look back at.
They crushed Bangladeshby 335 runs in those four days, with superb showing from captain Brendan Taylor and quick Kyle Jarvis.
The likes of Malcolm Waller, Graeme Cremer and Shingi Masakadza also had important roles to play in the win.
There were several positives in that game, and they would do well to bring that attitude into this ODI series.
They have a poor record at the Queens Sports Club against Bangladesh, though, winning two out of eight completed games.
They have two legspinners in the squad in Natsai Mushangwe and Tino Mutombodzi, and that could be prove to be an advantage over Bangladesh this time around.
The first game of the ODI series promises much, simply because both sets of players mostly have attacking mindsets.
Though Bangladesh have won and drawn the two ODI series they have played this season, Zimbabwe are their closest rival in the international game and hence there is bound to be nerves.
Zimbabwe (possible) 1 Vusi Sibanda, 2 Regis Chakabva/Sikandar Raza, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Brendan Taylor (capt & wk), 5 Malcolm Waller, 6 Sean Williams, 7 Elton Chigumbura, 8 Natsai Mushangwe, 9 Shingi Masakadza, 10 Kyle Jarvis, 11 Brian Vitori.
Bangladesh (possible) 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Shamsur Rahman, 3 Mohammad Ashraful, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (capt & wk), 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Nasir Hossain, 7 Mahmudullah/Ziaur Rahman, 8 Sohag Gazi, 9 Abdur Razzak, 10 Shafiul Islam, 11 Robiul Islam. — Cricinfo
Online Reporter