Bangladesh look for whitewash

Match facts

Friday July 31, 2009
Start time 9.30 (13.30 GMT)

Bangladesh have wrapped up the three-match series by winning the first two matches and have a chance to complete a rare whitewash. West Indies will be kicking themselves for giving up the second ODI having had a good total to defend only to allow Bangladesh three crucial overs in their chase to seize the momentum. The home side should be ready to prove a point to their critics but Bangladesh's form and energy leaves them as clear favourites, and a cursory glance at the form of the two rival captains sums up the state of the two sides.

Shakib Al Hasan has led from the front in both the first two games, contributing runs with the bat - he is just behind Mohammad Ashraful in the run tally - picking wickets and inspiring in the field. Shakib's captaincy has been exciting and that has apparently rubbed off onto his batting. His decision to open the attack in the last game with the recalled Abdur Razzak's spin paid rich dividends.

West Indies will be aiming for a competitive effort to finish the series after they showed a marked improvement from the first ODI, but it's hard to see how Floyd Reifer can inspire. His batting hasn't clicked all series, two Tests included, and he has looked all at sea against spin, spooning catches to a packed off-side field in both ODIs. For Reifer, the goals are not only to win but also to give some of West Indies' lesser-known players a chance to shine. He will need to set the example and hope the rest follow.

Form guide

(last five matches, most recent first)

Bangladesh - WWWWL
West Indies - LLNLW

Watch out for …

Tamim Iqbal: A powerful striker of the ball, Tamim will look to make a mark in the series against this West Indies attack. Tamim got a first-baller in game one, chasing a full-pitched delivery, and in the second his nervy innings of 29 was cut off by an enthusiastic fielder. Tamim is yet to impress in the series but a big one could just be around the corner. If Tamim can help set up a hefty total, it could give Bangladesh their best chance of a clean sweep.

Travis Dowlin: He missed a Test century by a whisker and his maiden ODI century proved in vain as Bangladesh won by three wickets to clinch the series. With the impending return of the leading players, Dowlin's opportunities at this level could be limited. He's in form and has shown his capabilities against this attack.

Team news

Bangladesh's desire to make absolutely certain of a 3-0 result means they are unlikely to tinker with their best XI.

Bangladesh: (likely) 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Junaid Siddique, 3 Mohammad Ashraful, 4 Raqibul Hasan, 5 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Mahmudullah, 8 Naeem Islam, 9 Abdur Razzak, 10 Syed Rasel, 11 Rubel Hossain.

Chris Gayle and other top players still find no place and the only change was the exclusion of fast bowler Nelon Pascal, who sustained a finger injury in the first ODI last Sunday. The wicketkeeper Devon Thomas didn't get a chance to bat in the second ODI but did grab two surprising wickets and should keep his place, but the pressure will be on Andre Fletcher who has yet to impress in the series. His place at the top could go to Kieran Powell, the left-handed batsman.

West Indies: (likely) 1 Devon Smith, 2 Andre Fletcher/Kieran Powell, 3 Travis Dowlin, 4 David Bernard, 5 Floyd Reifer (capt), 6 Devon Thomas (wk), 7 Darren Sammy, 8 Rawl Lewis, 9 Nikita Miller, 10 Kemar Roach, 11 Gavin Tonge.

Weather

It's forecast to be windy with scattered showers in the afternoon in Basseterre on Friday.