Dominant Bangladesh sweep Zimbabwe series

Dhaka: Hosts Bangladesh thrashed Zimbabwe by 186 runs in the third and final Test in Chittagong on Sunday to sweep the series 3-0.

The tourists, set a tough winning target of 449, were bowled out for 262 in their second innings just before tea on the fifth day in the port city.

Regis Chakabva with 89 not out was the only batsman to offer much resistance as wickets tumbled at the other end after Zimbabwe resumed on 71-1.

Seamers Shafiul Islam and Rubel Hossain, and spinners Jubair Hossain and Shuvagata Hom, claimed two wickets each to seal Bangladesh`s domination of the series.

Bangladesh had posted a three-wicket win in the first Test in Dhaka, before routing Zimbabwe by 162 runs in the second match in Khulna.

It was only the second time in their Test history that Bangladesh had swept a series. They defeated an under-strength West Indies in both matches in the Caribbean in 2009.

In the 88 Tests Bangladesh have played since their debut in 2000, they have won just seven, lost 70 and drawn 11.

The success helped Bangladesh rise from the bottom of the table at number 10 in the Test rankings to nine, condemning Zimbabwe to last place.

All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was named man of the series for his 251 runs and 18 wickets.

The home team`s captain Mushfiqur Rahim said he hoped the good work in the Tests would continue in the subsequent five-match one-day series.

"It`s a great feeling to sweep the series, the team really performed well," said Rahim, who will hand over the captaincy to Mashrafe Mortaza for the one-dayers.

"Our management planned very well and we executed those plans. I hope we can continue like this in future also."

Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor conceded Bangladesh were the better team over the three Tests.

"It`s been frustrating but you have to give credit to Bangladesh," said Taylor. "We fought hard but they made it very difficult for us to get back into the game.

"They have a quality spin attack and we were probably short in that department. Hopefully we will do better in the one-dayers. It is a different format and we want to salvage some pride."

The first one-dayer will be in Chittagong on November 21.