Zimbabwe confirm Bangladesh tour

As revealed exclusively by Cricinfo four days ago, Zimbabwe are planning to host Bangladesh in a one-day series early in the New Year as both sides prepare for the World Cup.

The two sides will play four ODIs - Zimbabwe initially proposed five - and two first-class matches on the tour which will take place in late January.

Ozias Bvute, ZC's managing director, denied that the series resulted from Zimbabwe's dismal performances during their 5-0 whitewash in Bangladesh earlier this month. "We had been in talks with Bangladesh as early as three months ago for another series at home, but agreed upon the end of the tour in the subcontinent," Bvute told The Independent. "It's an opportunity for our players to show what they are worth. The results in Bangladesh are disappointing but bad results are part of sport and we believe given the right motivation the players might prove themselves."

Zimbabwe seemed to have turned the corner when they defeated Bangladesh 3-2 at home in August, but since then they have lost 12 straight ODIs and their performances have indicated that the side is again on the slide.