Dhaka: The low-scoring contests have been thrilling, but the letdown for the crowds has been the fact that the home team has failed to convert strong positions into wins. Bangladesh had the opposition down to 6 for 5 and 44 for 6, but still failed to defend totals of 152 and 124 against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

If they win 2nd ODI, Zimbabwe would clinch their first series victory in over two years - the last was against Bangladesh at home in July 2006.

Mashrafe Mortaza has been the steady bowler for his team, chipping in with tidy economical displays when not among the wickets. His three top-order strikes set the way for the upset over Sri Lanka, and a similar showing could be the early punch needed to floor Zimbabwe.

Tatendu Taibu has been unable to come up with substantial scores in recent games. He has failed to go past 40 in his last nine innings since his 74 against Ireland in Nairobi, and a match-winning score seems due from one of Zimbabwe's premier batsmen.

Pitch Report: The conditions in Mirpur having generally favoured the fast bowlers in the morning.