Although Mortaza returned from injury in time for Zimbabwe's tour of Bangladesh in December, Shakib was retained as captain for the five-match ODI series. Following his side's defeat in the opening ODI, Shakib stated that he "was not prepared to take the job and I am also not satisfied with my role as a captain". Bangladesh went on to win the next three complete matches, with one called off due to rain, to beat Zimbabwe 3–1. Shakib was Bangladesh's second-highest run-scorer and wicket taker for the series with 156 runs, including two half centuries, and nine wickets.