da dobrowin： Cricinfo previews the final ODI between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh
The Preview by Sriram Veera17-Aug-2009Match factsTuesday August 18, 2009
Start time 09.30 (07.30 GMT)Big PictureZimbabwe’s batting has been strengthened by the return of Mark Vermeulen•AFP
Bangladesh have already wrapped up the series but the fifth game presents an opportunity for them to sign off their third consecutive ODI series win with authority. For the hosts, who have improved with each game this tour, it’s another chance to impress the cricketing world.Bangladesh’s batting line-up has been boosted by Mohammad Ashraful’s return to form and Tamim Iqbal’s willingness to show patience early in his innings. They also have the in-form Shakib Al Hasan and Raqibul Hasan, who have shouldered comfortably the middle-order responsibilities. There might be some concerns about their bowling, which conceded two consecutive 300-plus totals, but those came on tracks highly favourable for batting, and with Bangladesh missing some important names in their seam attack.Zimbabwe had a poor first game but that was perhaps due to lack of match practice – they got better in the remaining games. The batting has steadily improved with Charles Coventry beginning to find himself in the international arena, Mark Vermeulen’s superb comeback and the return of Sean Williams from self-imposed retirement. The icing on the cake will be Tatendu Taibu’s expected imminent return. It’s the bowling that has been the worry and their approach to go in with four regular bowlers has consistently backfired.Form guide (last five matches, most recent first)Zimbabwe – LWLLW
Bangladesh – WLWWWWatch out for…Mark Vermeulen has shown he is desperate to play cricket at the highest level. Nearly everyone thought he was done and dusted after his much publicised problems in the past and it was really incredible to see him make a successful comeback. His batting remains as fluent as ever; he has played seam and spin well.Shakib Al Hasan has been