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Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 2014, 4th ODI at Dhaka Preview: Hosts look to continue dominance

Bangladesh outdid themselves by thrashing the lacklustre visitors by a massive 124 runs in 3rd ODI.

Anamul Haque has scored back-to-back half-centuries © AFP
Anamul Haque has scored back-to-back half-centuries © AFP

By Shiamak Unwalla

Nov 27, 2014

Bangladesh will take on Zimbabwe in the fourth One-Day International (ODI) at Dhaka on Friday. The hosts have already won the five-match series 3-0, and will be aiming for a clean sweep in the series. For their part, Zimbabwe will try their best to prevent Bangladesh from completing a whitewash.

After winning the first two ODIs by big margins of 87 and 68 runs respectively, Bangladesh outdid themselves by thrashing the lacklustre visitors by a massive 124 runs. Anamul Haque has been in superb form for Bangladesh with back-to-back scores of 80 and 95 in the last two games.

Zimbabwe have looked woefully out of sorts throughout the series after having been outclassed in the Test series as well. None of their batsmen have looked in any sort of touch, while their bowling has been inconsistent.

Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan and Arafat Sunny have been outstanding for the hosts. Sunny especially has found particular success, snaring 10 wickets in the three matches so far. Mashrafe Mortaza has done well also with seven wickets. Zimbabwe will need to find some inspiration ahead of the last two matches or they run the risk of complete humiliation in the series.

Zimbabwe have nothing to play for but pride, and like the proverbial cornered tigers, could come out aggressively in these last two matches. The track at Dhaka is likely to support spin, and Shakib and Sunny will be keen to exploit the surface.

In the wake of Phillip Hughes’ tragic demise, it will be difficult for the cricketing fraternity to get back to playing and watching the game. On the face of it, Bangladesh seem to be the clear favourites, and another one-sided contest is likely to be on the cards, but Zimbabwe will be trying for a win desperately, and could spring a surprise.

Squads:

Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Al-Amin Hossain, Anamul Haque, Arafat Sunny, Imrul Kayes, Jubair Hossain, Mahmudullah, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal.

Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (c), Regis Chakabva (wk), Tendai Chatara, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Natsai M’shangwe, Richmond Mutumbami, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Malcolm Waller, Neville Madziva, Timycen Maruma, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Tawanda Mupariwa, Brian Vitori.

Time: 12:30 Local |12:00 IST

(Shiamak Unwalla, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a self-confessed Sci-Fi geek and cricket fanatic. You can follow him on Twitter @ShiamakUnwalla)

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