Zimbabwe 7/0 in 2.1 overs

After losing their first two games, Bangladesh will be hoping to salvage some pride, while Zimbabwe will aim to complete the series 3-0.

Miraz wants to improve his batting

Explaining the decision to bowl first, Miraz admitted Bangladesh were disappointed with their performance in the previous game, but insisted the team had moved on.

“We will bowl first. The way we bowled in the last match, it’s a bit disappointing, but that’s in the past and we’re thinking about the next game.”

The Bangladesh captain emphasized the need for a better partnership with the bat.

“I think we need partnerships up top and then at the back. So we made a few mistakes but we can think about the positives and we already know the conditions because we’ve played two games. I don’t think we hit well in the last game.”

Bangladesh made two changes to their playing line-up, bringing in Mohammad Saifuddin and Tanvir Islam.

“We have two changes. Saifuddin is here. Tanvir is here,” added Miraz.

Raza is confident that he will complete the cleanup

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has revealed that Richard Ngarava has been rested as part of load control.

“Richard is fine. I think it’s one of those policies that we have to control. If you look at Richard’s history from the back, as well as the games he’s played, so it was important to give him a rest as well. So we rested him today along with some other guys.”

Raza has credited the positive atmosphere in the dressing room for Zimbabwe’s success in the series so far.

“The confidence, the mood and the culture we have in the dressing room. I think all those things contribute to what you see and what everyone else sees on the park. Everyone is in a very good space, everyone feels confident, and today’s game is another opportunity for all of us to practically show our skills and try to close the series 3-0.”

He also spoke about the challenge of batting on the winter pitches in Harare.

“I think playing at Sports Club especially in winter, I mean against a new ball, is always going to be very difficult. But I think credit to our guys from the first game. They improved a lot in the second and today I’m very confident that there will be even more improvements in the third. We’re learning on our feet, and today I think as much as it’s a challenge, but it’s another chance to basically overcome the winter goalposts in Harare.”

Zimbabwe also made three changes to the side.

“So we’ve got Nyamhuri picking up the problem, he’s out. And of course we’re managing the bowlers’ load. Two seamers come in, Nesto and Chivanga, and Wellington comes in as Nyamhuri’s replacement. So two seamers and a spinner to add.”

Pitch report

The pitch at the Harare Sports Club is expected to offer relief to both batsmen and bowlers.

“The surface looks good, but there’s a lot of grass there, and it’s rolled, and you can just see the color of the surface has changed because of the amount of rolling that’s gone in. But there’s thick, good grass. But again, it all depends on your application.”

Playing XI

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Nurul Hasan (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanvir Islam.

Zimbabwe: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (c), Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (wk), Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku, Tanaka Chivanga.