Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
A solid batting performance by the top-order led Zimbabwe to a One Day International Series victory over the Netherlands after winning the third and final match by seven wickets at the Harare Sports Club this Saturday.
For once, the top-order connived to do the right things and it resulted in a resounding victory, with the bumper crowd that turned up at Harare Sports Club being treated to some entertaining cricket by the hosts as the Chevrons sealed a series victory in style.
Chasing 232 runs for victory, the opening pair of captain Craig Ervine and youngster Wessly Madhevere put in 96 runs before Ervine was caught at square-leg trying to sweep for 44 runs.
His opening partner Madhevere soon followed after reaching his half-century when he drove Musa Ahmad straight to mid-off.
Gary Ballance and Sean Williams then combined for another 96-run partnership before Williams was bowled by Fred Klassen for 43 runs with the score at 199.
Ballance and Sikander Raza then saw the team home with the left-handed Ballance finishing at 64 not out, while Raza hit 18 runs off 9 balls.
Earlier, Netherlands won the toss and elected to bat first and they were restricted to 231 runs with Williams picking up three wickets, while fellow spinner Raza grabbed two wickets, while seamers Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava got a scalp apiece.
Williams scooped the man of the match and the player of the series awards.
The Chevrons will now play Pakistan A in May in six unofficial one-dayers as they prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers set to be hosted by Zimbabwe from the 18th of June to the 9th of July at the Harare Sports Club and Queens Sport Club in Bulawayo.
