'We definitely misread the pitch' - Masakadza

Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza has admitted he misjudged the conditions after his side were shot out for 44 on electing to bat in the fourth ODI against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

"Definitely we misread the wicket," he said after the thumping six-wicket defeat that handed Bangladesh the series 3-1. "It looked like a good batting track but it was too slow for a one-day wicket."

The poor total, he said, was a combination of bad batting and a tough track, where Bangladesh's spinners found plenty of assistance. "Some guys gave their wickets away but, having said that, the wicket did play quite a big role," he said. "The ball was holding up and there was too much spin on it. The wicket was definitely very bad but we also batted badly to complement that."

Zimbabwe have come into the series as underdogs but were in great form against Kenya last month and won the first one-dayer against Bangladesh as well. After that, though, they have been soundly beaten in three consecutive games. "Very disappointing and frustrating," Masakdaza said about losing the series. "Having won the first game and having batted properly in the warm-ups in Kenya it is very disappointing to see the batting fall apart on this tour."

In contrast, the home side's captain Shakib Al Hasan was delighted to have knocked over Zimbabwe for what was the lowest total against Bangladesh. "It's a wonderful feeling to be able to bowl out a side for 44. It doesn't happen everyday," he said. "I also wanted a 10-wicket win which I think we haven't had before. Disappointed that it didn't happen. Maybe next time!"

Bangladesh were also surprised by the amount of spin and bounce available on the surface. "There was sharp turn and the balls that went straight skidded," he said. He also defended the preparation of tracks that play to the home team's strength - the spinners (Bangladesh used six of them in the previous game, and only one quick bowler). "We know that it will not be that easy for our batsmen to adjust to seaming pitches and therefore wickets are prepared keeping in mind the strength of the home team," he said. ""When we go to New Zealand we may have three or even four pacers in the playing eleven. It is totally dependent on the conditions. If there is a scope for taking home advantage who wouldn't take it?"

Nazmul Hossain, the lone fast bowler in the team, was Man of the Match for his early two-wicket burst. "Nazmul has bowled well for us in the last match also," Shakib said. "I think he has been successful because of his control."

The final game of the series is at the same ground on Thursday.