adminBlessing Malinganiza
THE Chevrons will be out to avoid a series defeat when they take on the Netherlands in the second ODI World Cup Super League encounter at Harare Sports Club this morning.
The Dutch drew first blood with a three-wicket victory in the first ODI, thanks to man-of-the-match heroics from their middle-order batsman, Teja Nidamanurut.
He scored an unbeaten 110 off 96 balls.
“He batted exceptionally well. I think it’s something we need to learn from,” said Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine.
“Instead of guys scoring 50s, 60s and 70s.
“We need to convert. His innings is something we need to learn from.”
Colin Ackerman scored 50 from 72 balls, also in the middle order, as Netherlands piled on 255 for the loss of seven wickets.
They chased down Zimbabwe’s 249, with a ball to spare.
The Chevrons found themselves 98/7 and needed wicketkeeper batsman, Clive Madande’s resilience, with the help of tailenders, Wellington Masakadza and Richard Ngarava to craft a respectable total.
Madande top scored for Zimbabwe with 74 while Masakadza and Ngarava weighed in with 34 and 35.
It was, however, in the fielding where Zimbabwe switched off at crucial intervals dropping catches and were clumsy in the field.
Having Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl and Blessing Muzarabani back in the fold as well as the addition of Gary Ballance, Zimbabwe looked very strong on paper.
Zimbabwe coach Dave Houghton still has options on the bench.
He can still decide to throw in fit-again all-rounder Sean Williams and ensure the team bats deep.
The last ODI is set for Saturday which will only be of academic interest should Zimbabwe falter again today.
Online Reporter