Bangladesh have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three match ODI series against Zimbabwe. The third ODI will be played on November 15 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Will Bangladesh make a clean sweep or will Zimbabwe end the series with a win? Stay tuned.
Squads
Bangladesh: Murshida Khatun, Fargana Hoque, Sharmin Akhter, Rumana Ahmed, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (captain & wicket-keeper), Nuzhat Tasnia, Ritu Moni, Salma Khatun, Lata Mondal, Khadija Tul Kubra, Shanjida Akhter, Fahima Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Nahida Akhter
Zimbabwe: Mary Anne-Musonda (captain), Sharne Mayers, Pellagia Mujaji, Ashley Ndiraya, Nyasha Gwanzura, Loren Tshuma, Francisca Chipare, Josephine Nkomo, Modester Mupachikwa (wicket-keeper), Chiedza Dhururu, Tasmeen Granger, Precious Marange, Esther Mbofana, Nomatter Mutasa, Nomvelo Sibanda
Players to watch out for
Nahida Akter:
She was the most successful bowler for Bangladesh in the second ODI against Zimbabwe. The left-arm spinner claimed 3-30 in her 9.4 overs, including two maidens. The wily spinner bowled in the right areas for the most part of her spell and reaped benefits in the form of wickets.
Murshida Khatun:
The left-hand-opened bat led the run chase in the second ODI as she muscled a 51 not out off 66 balls, including eight boundaries. This was her maiden half century in ODI cricket and was instrumental in Bangladesh’s nine-wicket win in the second ODI against Zimbabwe.
Nyasha Gwanzura:
The right-hand middle-order bat top-scored with an unbeaten 35 off 81 balls, including two boundaries. She held the Zimbabwe innings together when the team was losing wickets at regular intervals. She was like the glue of the batting line-up.
Esther Mbofana:
The right arm seamer was the lone wicket-taker for Zimbabwe in the second ODI against Bangladesh. She opened the bowling and accounted for 1-30 in her 5.3 overs. She used the new ball well extracting swing from it. She will look to have company from the other bowlers going into the third and final ODI of the series.
Weather
The weather is expected to be sunny and warm. There is 0% chance of rain through the course of the match. The average temperatures will range between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. Wind will blow from east during the first half of the game and from east-southeast in the latter half.
Pitch
This will be the third match at the venue. The wicket might play slow and help the spinners. The outfield could be slow. The batters may have to spend more time at the crease to score runs.
Probable Fantasy playing XI
Fargana Hoque, Murshida Khatun, Nyasha Gwanzura, Salma Khatun, Rumana Ahmed, Precious Marange, Nahida Akhter, Jahanara Alam, Esther Mbofana, Ritu Moni
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.