World Cup in focus
As the clock ticks down to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the five-match ODI series will be the last opportunity for both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe to figure out their potential World Cup squads. Both teams have had dismal runs in ODI cricket -- Zimbabwe have lost eight out of 11 games while Bangladesh have lost 13 out of 14 ODIs in 2014 -- and are yet to come up with the right balance.
On a head-to-head basis Bangladesh lead Zimbabwe by three matches; the Tigers have 31 wins while Zimbabwe 28 in their 59 meetings. With a thumping 3-0 win in the Tests, the momentum is definitely with the Tigers, however with both sides attempting to break the deadlock and giving it their all, anything can happen. The last two ODI series were won by Zimbabwe. They beat Bangladesh 3-2 and 2-1 at home in 2011 and 2013 respectively.
Historically, Zimbabwe series haven't been good omens for Bangladesh's captains. Shakib Al Hasan was removed soon after the Tigers had lost the lone Test match and five-match ODI series in 2011. Mushfiqur Rahim had shockingly announced his resignation in a press conference following the defeat in 2013.
In the upcoming series, it will be Mashrafe Bin Mortaza who will be facing the music; albeit in more relaxed conditions. The main concern for Mashrafe and Bangladesh would be their playing combination. They don't have a Nasir Hossain at number six and neither do they have an Abdur Razzak to turn to. The Tigers will have to depend on the uncapped Sabbir Rahman and inexperienced Arafat Sunny to cover those crucial roles. While the task may not seem difficult against Zimbabwe at home, one has to keep in mind that this could well be the blueprint for the World Cup squad and that the players will need to get accustomed to their roles as soon as possible.
With the dew factor around the Tigers are likely to play a three-pace attack. While Mashrafe and Al-Amin Hossain are likely to have sealed their spots, the third position will be a battle between Rubel Hossain and Shafiul Islam.
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