After the sterling win of the Dutch men’s team in the first One Day International on Tuesday, Zimbabwe came back strongly to level the series on Thursday. Impressive bowling by Shariz Ahmad (5-43) and fine knocks by Max O’Dowd (81) and Tom Cooper (74) gave Netherlands a decent chance, but they were unable to get over the line, falling tantalizingly short of the target.
Throwing away a winnable game will hurt Netherlands whereas Zimbabwe will be pleased to have taken the series to a decider. The Dutch had the game when they were comfortable at 166/1 and then at 197-2 but it all came crashing down pretty quickly.
The unlikely hero was Wessly Madhevere who changed the game with a hat-trick in the 44th over. Netherlands entrusted skipper Scott Edwards to finish it off but in the penultimate over Raza got him out with a low full-toss. With 19 needed off the ultimate over, Netherlands got close but Tendai Chatara kept his nerve to win the game for the Chevrons.
Max O'Dowd was leading the chase for Netherlands, but he falls to Sikandar Raza in the 41st over! Will Zimbabwe level the series, or will the visitors register a famous series win? #ZIMvNED
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 23, 2023
