Bowling master class earns Netherlands a consolation win

Netherlands were outplayed in the first two ODIs by a resilient Zimbabwean side, but come back in the third game of the series, the Dutch bowlers ripped past the Zimbabweans and earned their side a consolation win. Netherlands put in an emphatic performance, but the visitors had the final laugh as they won the 3 match series 2-1.

Batting first, Netherlands openers Wesley Barresi and Stephan Myburgh added a decent 50-run stand and provided a good foundation for the middle order batsmen. After Myburgh departed, Barresi and Ben Cooper added 49 runs for the second wicket and they looked well on course for a big total.

Two wickets in quick succession provided a relief for the Zimbabweans, but it was temporary. It was a collective effort from the batting order as everyone contributed a bit in taking Netherlands to a formidable total. Star of the day with the willow Michael Rippon notched a well-deserved half-century and some lusty blows from Roelof Van Der Merwe and skipper Peter Borren propelled them to 279 runs in their 50 overs.

It was a bad day at the office for the Zimbabwe bowlers, barring Christopher Mpofu. The fast bowler picked up 4 wickets giving away just 41 runs in 7 overs and the off-spinner Sikander Raza hoodwinked two batsmen and knocked their stumps over.

Merciless bowling show from the Dutch

Holland bowlers were clobbered to all parts in the second ODI, but the way they made a comeback was spectacular on Friday. The top three were back in the gallery after the new ball bowlers Klassen and Snatter reduced Zimbabwe to 20/3 inside 5 overs.

Wickets just kept tumbling like a pack of cards and the Dutchmen showed absolutely no mercy. Malcolm Waller was the lone warrior with the bat for Zimbabwe, scoring a half-century but a diabolical show from the top order arrested their run flow.

Van der Merwe provided a clinical finish to the innings, picking up the final 3 wickets in quick succession and Zimbabwe were bundled out for a paltry 130 runs. Netherlands registered an emphatic 149-run victory, courtesy a brilliant bowling display from Klassen (2/24), Snatter (3/30) and Van der Merwe (3/7).

Zimbabwe entered this dead rubber contest with an unassailable 2-0 lead. Though a consolation win, the way Netherlands outplayed Zimbabwe will do a world of good for their confidence in the coming tournaments.