Zimbabwe and Bangladesh Tour update

In the midst of an international cricket quiet period, the minnows of the full member nations are battling it out in a bottom of the table clash.

After Zimbabwe won the first test match by 335 runs, Bangladesh retaliated by winning the second by 143 runs, and thus drawing the series.

The ODI series began a couple of days ago, which is extremely pivotal for these two sides. Bangladesh who have played well of late with a 1-2 defeat to Sri Lanka, and a 3-2 win over the West Indies, come in as heavy favourites. Zimbabwe were thoroughly outplayed by the West Indies, but should put up more of a fight in home conditions.If Bangladesh win all three matches they will overtake New Zealand into 8th place in the ICC ODI Rankings. Anything other than a cleansweep will mean they will remain in 9th. Zimbabwe on the other hand languish in 10th, and although they will still be 10th at the end of this series, they have a lot to play for. Ireland lurk in 11th, and Zimbabwe will want to prove they deserve to be ahead of the associate nation.

As I said, the first match was played a couple of days ago and it was Bangladesh coming out on top by 121 runs. The second match is underway at the moment.

Scores in brief

2nd ODI (in progress)
Zimbabwe 167/4 off 34.3 overs
Bangladesh 252/9 off 50.0 overs
Zimbabwe need 86 runs with 6 wickets in hand and 15.3 overs (5.54 req. run rate)

1st ODI 
Bangladesh (269/8 off 50.0 overs) defeated Zimbabwe (148 off 32.1 overs) by 121 runs

2nd Test
Bangladesh (391 and 291/9dec.) defeated Zimbabwe (282 and 257) by 143 runs

1st Test
Zimbabwe (389 and 227/7dec.) defeated Bangladesh (134 and 147) by 335 runs