Tinotenda Hove – Zimbabwe wrapped up their One-Day International series against Bangladesh with a 2-1 win, even after falling to a seven-wicket defeat in the last game at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

The hosts had already wrapped up the series with back-to-back victories, and opted to rotate their squad for the dead rubber. Frontline quicks Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Newman Nyamhuri were given a rest, with Tanaka Chivanga, Wellington Masakadza and Ernest Masuku coming into the team.

The reshuffle showed. Zimbabwe were dismissed for 199 and struggled to put pressure on the tourists with the ball, a sharp contrast to the tight bowling that won them the first two matches.

Bangladesh made light work of the chase, reaching the target with seven wickets to spare. Zimbabwe’s problems were compounded in the field where they put down six catches.

Still, the bigger picture favored the Chevrons. They took the series on the back of strong all-round displays earlier in the week, defending 141 and 243 to go 2-0 up.

The results also underscored the impact of Zimbabwe’s fast bowling group, which played a key role in delivering the country’s first ODI series win over Bangladesh in several years.

The focus now shifts to the T20 format. A three-match series starts on Thursday at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.