NEW DELHI: Gary Ballance struck a fine unbeaten half-century after Wessly Madhevere and Craig Ervine‘s solid opening stand as Zimbabwe registered a comfortable seven-wicket win over Netherlands in Harare on Saturday.
With the victory, the hosts clinched the three-match series 2-1.
Ballance struck a responsible 72-ball 64 not out alongside Madhevere and Ervine’s 96-run opening stand as Zimbabwe chased down a par 232 target with 50 balls to spare.
After two midweek thrillers that were won in the final over, the home side were always ahead on run rate after restricting the tourists to 231 for nine.
Sikandar Raza hit the match-winning four, taking Zimbabwe across the finish line at the Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe have often battled in all three formats due to poor top-order batting, but openers Madhevere and captain Craig Ervine excelled this time by putting on 96 for the first wicket.
After their departures, former England batter Ballance and Sean Williams maintained the dominance of the Dutch attack to deliver a 96-run third-wicket partnership.
While Ballance top scored with 64, including eight fours, Madhevere (50), Ervine (44) and Williams (43) played significant roles.
Teenage Dutch leg-spinner Shariz Ahmad, who took five wickets on Thursday in a one-run second match loss, captured another two, but they came at a high price as he conceded 71 runs.
Opener Max O’Dowd top scored with 38 for the Netherlands after captain Scott Edwards won the toss for the first time in the series.
Colin Ackerman (37) and Edwards (34) also made valuable knocks. However, none of the trio could manage a six, with O’Dowd hitting six fours, Ackermann two and Edwards four.
The tourists’ lone six came from Aryan Dutt, who batted at number nine and scored 15 off 14 deliveries.
Williams was the most impressive Zimbabwe bowler, capturing three wickets for 41 runs, including those of Ackermann and Edwards.
With the victory, the hosts clinched the three-match series 2-1.
Ballance struck a responsible 72-ball 64 not out alongside Madhevere and Ervine’s 96-run opening stand as Zimbabwe chased down a par 232 target with 50 balls to spare.
After two midweek thrillers that were won in the final over, the home side were always ahead on run rate after restricting the tourists to 231 for nine.
Sikandar Raza hit the match-winning four, taking Zimbabwe across the finish line at the Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe have often battled in all three formats due to poor top-order batting, but openers Madhevere and captain Craig Ervine excelled this time by putting on 96 for the first wicket.
After their departures, former England batter Ballance and Sean Williams maintained the dominance of the Dutch attack to deliver a 96-run third-wicket partnership.
While Ballance top scored with 64, including eight fours, Madhevere (50), Ervine (44) and Williams (43) played significant roles.
Teenage Dutch leg-spinner Shariz Ahmad, who took five wickets on Thursday in a one-run second match loss, captured another two, but they came at a high price as he conceded 71 runs.
Opener Max O’Dowd top scored with 38 for the Netherlands after captain Scott Edwards won the toss for the first time in the series.
Colin Ackerman (37) and Edwards (34) also made valuable knocks. However, none of the trio could manage a six, with O’Dowd hitting six fours, Ackermann two and Edwards four.
The tourists’ lone six came from Aryan Dutt, who batted at number nine and scored 15 off 14 deliveries.
Williams was the most impressive Zimbabwe bowler, capturing three wickets for 41 runs, including those of Ackermann and Edwards.
With both countries out of contention for direct entry to the 2023 World Cup in India, they used the series to prepare for a qualifying tournament Zimbabwe will host in June and July.
(With inputs from AFP)
