Sweep in sight for Zimbabwe as Bangladesh chase a win

Zimbabwe are 2-0 up and going for a 3-0 series sweep against Bangladesh in the final ODI. Bangladesh are playing for a consolation win to avoid a whitewash.

Zimbabwe have taken the first two ODIs, including a 25-run win in the opener where Bangladesh were bowled out chasing 142. Bangladesh are without Mustafizur Rahman for the rest of the tour due to hamstring and knee injuries. Shoriful Islam replaced him in the 2nd ODI.

Zimbabwe will be looking to complete their first ODI series sweep vs a full-member nation in a while. Zimbabwe: A clean sweep would be a big confidence boost at home. Bangladesh: Desperate to get on the board and salvage some pride before the T20I series.

The disappointment of missing out on the 2023 ODI World Cup may still linger, but Zimbabwe's recent performances have strengthened belief ahead of next year's tournament, which they will co-host alongside South Africa, and Namibia.

The series has been marked by batting collapses from both sides. The difference has been Zimbabwe's pacers who have bailed their team out in both matches to keep them on the winning side. Bangladesh, despite arriving on the back of three successive ODI series wins against Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia this year, have been unable to recover from their batting failures and will be desperate to avoid a series sweep.

Workload in 2026

Taskin has already played 10 ODIs this year — more than he did in all of 2024 and 2025 combined. He’s taken 18 wickets so far. While Nahid Rana has grabbed headlines for pace, Taskin has been quietly effective. He’s taken 2 wickets in each of the first 2 ODIs and is leading the attack with the new ball. The Harare pitch offers bounce and movement — perfect for Taskin’s style. In Mustafizur’s absence, expect him to play a crucial role in rattling the top order early.

Taskin is having his busiest ODI year yet and is now Bangladesh’s main new-ball threat. On a helpful Harare surface, he could be the difference if Bangladesh are to avoid a 3-0 sweep.

The pitch has offered assistance for seamers in the first two matches of the series. Bangladesh won the toss in both games and opted to bowl first, and made use of the conditions. It may not be a high-scoring contest. Temperatures are expected to be around 23 degrees Celsius with the evening set to become cooler.