Zimbabwe, Bangladesh Looks Series Win

Bulawayo: Zimbabwe and Bangladesh go into Wednesday's third and final one-day international in Bulawayo locked at one match apiece, yet it is the hosts who know they will need to improve their game if they are to claim a rare series victory.

After being humiliated by 121 runs in the first match last week, Zimbabwe drew level with a six-wicket victory on Sunday, preventing Bangladesh from extending their unbeaten run in bilateral one-day series to three.

However Zimbabwe have enjoyed the benefit of bowling first in both matches so far, with early morning starts giving their seam bowlers an advantage against Bangladesh's strong top order - none of whom have registered telling scores as a result.

Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan remain some of the most dangerous batsmen on either side, yet none have passed 34 in the series thus far.

Having shared the two-Test series 1-1, both sides will see Wednesday's match as an opportunity to confirm a modicum of superiority ahead of two Twenty20 internationals at the weekend.

Zimbabwe are unlikely to make any more changes with most of the components working well for captain Brendan Taylor, especially his bowlers finding rhythm.

Bangladesh team management are also unlikely to make changes for the crucial match.

Teams from

Zimbabwe BRM Taylor (captain & wk), RW Chakabva (wk), TL Chatara, E Chigumbura, MT Chinouya, KM Jarvis, T Maruma, H Masakadza, SW Masakadza, N Mushangwe, TC Mutombodzi, T Panyangara, V Sibanda, Sikandar Raza, P Utseya, BV Vitori, MN Waller, SC Williams

Bangladesh Mushfiqur Rahim (captain & wk), Abdur Razzak, Jahurul Islam, Mahmudullah, Mohammad Ashraful, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Robiul Islam, Sajidul Islam, Shafiul Islam, Shamsur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Sohag Gazi, Tamim Iqbal, Ziaur Rahman

Pitch and conditions
There is no particular change in conditions so the toss will again be vital. Both teams will look to bowl first to make use of early swing available.

Stats and trivia

• Despite his indifferent form, Mahmudullah is still the highest scoring No. 7 in the last five years. During the same period, Bangladesh have tried 10 batsmen at No. 3, none averaging more than 25.
• Prosper Utseya and Elton Chigumbura are the only bowlers in the current Zimbabwe side to take more than 50 wickets.

Match facts
Wednesday May 8, 2013
Start time 0900 local (0700 GMT)