Zimbabwe set to play more ODIs against Bangladesh

Smarting from a 5-0 ODI whitewash in Bangladesh, Zimbabwe Cricket has instantly requested a rematch which is now set for January.

Sources close to the Bangladesh board have revealed to Cricinfo that it has almost agreed to a best-of-five series in Zimbabwe in January, which the two boards want to use as part of their final preparations for the World Cup in the West Indies. As in the recently ended series between the two sides in the subcontinent, Bangladesh's tour to Zimbabwe may well also include two unofficial A-team Tests.

Zimbabwe hosted Bangladesh for a five-ODI series last August which they won 3-2, giving the beleagured home side a much-needed boost after three years of setbacks. However, subsequently they have performed poorly in South Africa, the Champions Trophy and most recently Bangladesh.

Zimbabwe were thrashed by Bangladesh in the ODIs, a result which has once more exposed the major problems facing the Zimbabweans. The defeats have also not gone down well back home with some calling for the head of coach Kevin Curran and under-performing players. The board, however, last week tried to play down criticism of Curran when managing director Ozias Bvute insisted that no rushed decisions would be made.