After winning the toss and batting against a Zimbabwe A side here, their top-order was exposed when they managed to put together 96-5 before a rainstorm washed out play.

Only 28.3 overs were bowled in just over two hours available for play in this midlands mining town.

Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar was struck on the forearm but X-rays showed no break. He is expected to be available for the first ODI in Bulawayo on Saturday. He had scored 13, his highest total in five innings here.

Rajin Saleh was not out on 28 when the match was called off.

The match also presented an opportunity for Zimbabwe medium pace bowler Gary Brent, who took three wickets for only 19 runs in his 10 overs. His performance could secure him a place in the Zimbabwe ODI squad of 14 for the series, to be announced on Thursday.

Bangladesh have not yet named their 14 but they are flying out Khaled Mahmud to try and boost their effectiveness.

The tourists have not played to their potential in Zimbabwe and they also have history against them. Zimbabwe have won all 10 international matches played between the two countries so far.