Zimbabwe batsman Stuart Carlisle did his best to liven up proceedings as he completed his second Test century with a 103, including a six and nine fours and he figured in a second wicket partnership of 129 with Trevor Gripper, who made 65.

Bangladesh, resuming from their Saturday 88-5, moved in the morning session to a first innings total of 168.

At the close of play Zimbabwe were 210 for the loss of two wickets, giving them a moral victory if little else except the opportunity for some practice.

In the end Zimbabwe's 183-run victory over Bangladesh in Harare last week proved crucial.

A series of five one-day internationals begins between the two teams begins in Bulawayo on Saturday before moving to Harare for the final three.

The two countries have met 10 times previously in ODI's, with Zimbabwe having won them all.

Carlisle's innings was the highlight of a match curtailed to only one and a half days through rain. There was so much bad weather on and before the first two scheduled days, and again on the fourth, that much of the outfield was left unplayable.

Carlisle was never troubled by the Bangladesh attack and he offered no chances whatever. Gripper also looked safe until he mistimed a hook and gave a high catch to Khaled Mashud off Tapash Baishya.

No man of the match was named, but it might have gone equally to Carlisle or to Noel Peck, in charge of the grounds, who worked long hours to get as much play as possible by reducing the effects of the frequent storms.

Manjural Islam defied the home side in the morning session with 39 and Mohammad Rafique was stubborn with 26 not out.

Zimbabwe lost Dion Ebrahim for just one run, but the mishap failed to stem the momentum of Carlisle and Gripper.

The umpires, David Orchard and Neil Mallender called an end to proceedings once Carlisle reached his century.