Bangladesh eye series win

Bangladesh will aim to put the one-day series beyond Zimbabwe's grasp when they meet in the third match of the five-match series in Bogra on Tuesday.

After clinical performances in the previous matches that the home side won by big margins of nine and six wickets respectively, every fans would back the Tigers to go for the kill at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium and make the remaining two games in Dhaka academic by wrapping up the series.

“I want to confirm the series win tomorrow. I am happy the way we played the last two games. We have so far played excellent cricket and we are ready to continue this form till the last game,” said captain Habibul Bashar during Monday's practice session.

His main worry however, was Mashrfee Bin Mortuza, who looks a doubtful starter following a shoulder injury.

Although team physio Paul Close had assured in the morning that he would get better before the match, the leading paceman continued to complain and the team management is reluctant to take risk on him.

The Tigers had achieved their first ever one-day series victory against the same opponents in 2005 at home bouncing back from a 2-0 deficit but this time they have the upper hand.

“Yes, we struggled in the last home battle against them and you all know we lost the away series earlier this year for some very small mistakes. But we are more matured now and the team performed as per my desire,” he said.

Although the limelight was on strong batting displays, especially the amazing Shahriar Nafees's unbeaten 105 and 67, Bashar heaped praises on the bowlers.

“Our batsmen, especially Nafees, are among runs but I am really impressed the way my bowlers have bowled. The wicket was totally flat in the second game but they did an excellent job to restrict the opponents for 217."

The premier Bangladesh batsman was dismissive of the notion that they are on top against a weak opponent.

“I'd rather say they looked weak because of our excellent performance. But its true that Zimbabwe are missing some good players.

“I don’t like to change the squad for only for the sake of change because my main objective is to win all the matches and quite convincingly,” he said.

But chief selector Faruque Ahmed hinted at changes for the last two matches in Dhaka if Bangladesh can seal the series here.

“The selection committee will meet tomorrow during the match to decide about the squad for the last two games. It is not unlikely to see one or two new guys in the team,” said Faruque.

When asked to comment on the new opening pair, Faruque said: “It is too early to comment but I am really impressed by the attitude of young Mehrab (Hossain). We can see a ray of hope with the new pair."

The Squads: