Zimbabwe in Bangladesh, 2009

Bangladesh enjoyed another comprehensive win against Zimbabwe to take an unassialable 3-1 lead in the 5-match GrameenPhone ODI series at Sher E Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today. After skittling Zimbabwe for 44 runs, 4th lowest total in ODI history, Bangladesh raced to victory with 229 balls to spare.

A middle order wobble with 12 runs from victory took some shine off the comprehensive win, but could not hide the gulf of differences between the two team in sub-continent conditions.

After opting to bat on a dry pitch in Chittagong, the tourists crashed to 8-4 in the sixth over. Ater the initial destruction by seamer Nazmul Hossain (2-10) and left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak (2-10)Bangladesh did not allow any breating space for the Zimbabwe batsmen as left-arm spinners Enamul Haque Jr (3-16) and Shakib Al Hasan (3-8) then took over to bowl them out in 24.5 overs.

Bangladesh made light work to see off Zimbabwe despite efforts from Ray Price (2-5) and Graeme Cremer (2-11) to bring some respectability to the scoreline.

The final match of the series will be played at the same venue on Thursday.