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This was our almost third string team. None from the ODI squad played the match; the A-team returned from China late last night, so they could not participate either. Older and experienced players such as Shahriar, Jahurul, Alok, or Rasel have not make a big impact in the match, yet younger players such as Fazle, Asif, and Noor still managed to pull the rug out from under the Zimbabweans!

Full scorecard - http://www.espncricinfo.com/bangladesh- ... 86519.html

Eshen wrote:This was our almost third string team.

its not new for touring teams to lose against 'A sides' and clubs. If anythng its a good wake up call to us. A, B,/C sides however u want to call them, play without pressure. Its obviously disappointing but that doesnt mean Zim wil lose 5-0.

thats true, our last tour to zimbabwe we were CRUSHED by the tour match team and ended up handing a 4-1 thrashing subsequently. then 2 months later when zimbabwe toured a year back, they lost the opener at Savar to our Academy team, and ended up winning the first ODI by a handsome margin of 5 wickets with 20 overs to spare...

the signs might be good, and our money might be there, but it doesn't mean we'll run away for sure...if Zimbabwe can push us it will be a good tune up before the world cup.

Eshen wrote:This was our almost third string team. None from the ODI squad played the match; the A-team returned from China late last night, so they could not participate either. Older and experienced players such as Shahriar, Jahurul, Alok, or Rasel have not make a big impact in the match, yet younger players such as Fazle, Asif, and Noor still managed to pull the rug out from under the Zimbabweans!

Full scorecard - http://www.espncricinfo.com/bangladesh- ... 86519.html

Even though I agree with you that it's almost a 3rd string team, but remember, Zahirul, Shahriar and Rasel were very much in line with the potentiality to be included in the national side. I think Zimbabwe attack is pretty good. Ray Price is as good as always, besides his spin, if Zimbabwe's pace attack fires like today, then Bangladesh will be facing a strong fight for sure. BCB XI top order fell cheap against Zim pace attack, which is the most important thing to note from today's match.

If Chigumbura did not bowl today, we can't really expect him to bowl in this series. This is turning out to be a disaster. But he can definitely make it into the team as a batsman alone, given his previous exploits at Bangladesh. But where does that leave the team combination? Would Keegan Meth be a definite starter given his all-round performance today?

If Shingi goes for nearly 7 an over in this match, there is really no hope for the ODIs. Ervine had to find form in this outing, so there is another concern. Things certainly are looking scary.

Chigumbura's bowling hasn't been up to mark off late. One suggestion, I think he can bat a bit higher up the order. I remember in an ODI against Bangladesh, he batted at 3 and made a good impact. He should try himself at 3 sending Chibhabha in the middle order. And Meth has bowled really well. Looks like He's developed himself excessively after his first international outing in 2006. Meth should also concentrate on his batting a bit to contribute for the team coming at 7. I think, he should play the same role which used to be played by Blignaut at one point of time. If he can do the same role as Blignaut, that will be great. It'll make the whole team composition balanced and will increase the winning chance of the team.

Chigumbura's place in the team is getting harder to justify if he isn't bowling. His batting has been rather unimpressive lately also. Great to see 'The Meth' pick up four wickets. How come Butterworth didnt bowl?

Poor result, but a good performance by Keegan Meth.
4 wickets with the new ball and a handy 25 runs with the bat. Thaumbs up.
Why Chigumbura isn't bowling is beyond me. He needs to sort himself out, quick !

What pace does Keegan Meth operate at? And what kind of a bowler is he? Does he rely on swing or seam?

Also same questions for S Masakadza...

IMO, i think this would be the best XI for ZIM, keeping this match in mind:

1) H Masakadza
2) Taylor
3) Taibu +
4) C Ervine
5) Chibabha
6) Chigumbura *
7) K Meth
8) G Cremer
9) P Utseya
10) R Price
11) CB Mpofu

Looks a little short in the batting dept. with just 6 specialist batters, but the bowling has good depth with 2 genuine pacers, a leggie, an offie, an SLA, and a part timer medium pacer in chigumbura. Chigs will not necessarily have to bowl a full 10 overs also.

Guys
I think of the available players, CHAKABVA is a better player of spin, he can rotate strike easy, the others maybe besides Taibu will struggle.