Bangladesh will be keen to end their emphatic year in international cricket with a ‘banglawash’ when they take the field for their last scheduled one-day international in 2015 against Zimbabwe today. Despite several ups-and-downs in the previous year, the Tigers proved the critics wrong and turned their fate to bag the fifth home-series on the trot by securing the three-match ODI series on Monday.
However, heading into the last match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium the hosts will not be taking things lightly as a defeat at the hands of the 10th ranked ODI nation will see them drop two valuable rating points in the rankings table. Bangladesh currently stand 7th with 96 points and a clean sweep of the series will ensure them just one points.
The batting at times have been a let off, although the team is no more dependent on one or two names, but someone always stepped up and delivered the needed contribution while the joint effort from the bowlers and fielders made it easier to dominate.
Bangladesh might have won the first two games easily, but it could also be termed as the immaturity that cost the visitors. In both matches Zimbabwe managed to tie the hosts from running away with the game, by taking wickets at regular intervals in the first 30 overs, but the knot loosened and the Tigers settled in as the game progressed.
Without the experienced Shakib al Hasan in the team, Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes must use this platform to amend their mistake of throwing away their wicket and in the process allow Bangladesh a comfortable passage to the end of their batting innings. Al-Amin also made a smooth return with the ball which is a good news in absence of Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain.
The home side is unlikely to tinker with the playing XI, although Dhaka Tribune learned that skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza, who contracted dengue last month, might rest himself. In that case the likely scenario will see Bangladesh Test captain Mushfiq takeover the responsibility and a debut for paceman Kamrul Islam Rabbi.
Meanwhile, the disheartened visitors will look to spoil the party and surprise the hosts with a morale boosting win. Apart from Elton Chigumbura and Sikandar Raza, the side does not boost any outstanding performers, and although Craig Ervine showed glimpse of playing big at times, coach Dav Whatmore will want his charges to take responsibility and come out of the pressure situation.