Netherlands tour of Zimbabwe 2023

ZIM vs NED, 1st ODI

Preview

Zimbabwe will look for an early lead as they take on the Netherlands in the opening game of a three match ODI series at home. It is a good opportunity for both the sides who don’t play much ODI cricket. The hosts drew their last ODI series against Ireland at home. Netherlands had lost their last series against Pakistan at home nine months ago. 

Netherlands hasn’t won a single game in this format since 2021’. They have struggled with bat in hand, and it will be interesting to see how they approach the game. Zimbabwe on the other hand possess a formidable batting lineup. 

Craig Ervine would eye an early lead in the series. They were below par in their last series against the Windies and shall look for a resolute effort from their players. They are familiar with the conditions and have a potent batting order. Ervine would want the senior pros to lead from the front and steer his side to a win. 

The loss of early wickets is one of Zim’s perennial problems. Wesley Madherve and Innocent Kaia must provide a solid start to their side in this game. The middle order possesses experience, and they would like to see Ervine, Garry Balance and Sikandar Raza make valuable contributions. Sean Williams and Clive Madane must lift the scoring rate down the order. 

They have a good bowling attack with the likes of Tendai Cahtara and Richard Ngarva. In addition to that, the experience of Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani will come in handy in these conditions. 

Scott Edwards’ side is coming on the back of a dismal show against Pakistan. The batting lineup has been inconsistent, and the bowling prowess lacks teeth which is a major problem for the team. They’ll take the field against a stronger side, and Edwards would like his players to put on a good show. 

Max O’Dowd and Vikramjit Singh will have the onus to give the Dutch a solid start. The middle order comprises the services of Colin Ackerman, Tom Cooper and Bas De Leede who brings depth to this Netherlands side with their all round prowess. Scott Edwards and Teja Nidamanuru will use the long hand to provide late blitz to the Netherlands innings

For the squad to feel at ease, the bowling prowess must execute its plans. The side needs early breakthroughs from Fred Klaassen and Vivian Kingma. In the middle overs, Tom Cooper and Paul van Meekeren must bowl excellent lines. Shariz Ahmed and Nidamanuru will also be required to bowl tight periods for the team.   

Match Details

Match: ZIM vs NED, 1st ODI, Netherlands tour of Zimbabwe, 2023

Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Time: 01:00 PM

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Pitch and Weather Report

The surface at Harare Sports Club is sluggish, forcing batters to be patient. The spacious outfield also presents a difficulty, and batters must rotate their strikes to succeed at this stadium. Fast bowlers benefit from early assistance, while spinners have done well by capitalising on the surface's slowness.

Strange clouds would form over Harare. We expect the wicket to be difficult to bat on, as it has been in the previous games played here. Batsmen will need to be careful and patient in their approach. On this surface, any score above 270 runs would be difficult to chase.

ZIM vs NED Squads

ZIM: Craig Ervine (capt), Gary Ballance, Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams

NED: Scott Edwards (capt & wk), Colin Ackermann, Musa Ahmad, Shariz Ahmad, Wesley Barresi, Tom Cooper, Aryan Dutt, Brandon Glover, Vivian Kingma, Fred Klaassen, Ryan Klein, Bas de Leede, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Teja Nidamanuru, Max O'Dowd, Vikramjit Singh.

ZIM vs NED Probable Playing XIs

ZIM: Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Gary Ballance, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara 

NED: Scott Edwards (c & wk), Colin Ackermann, Vikramjit Singh, Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, Tom Cooper, Teja Nidamanuru, Shariz Ahmad, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klassen, Vivian Kingma

Match Prediction

Zimbabwe will start overwhelming favourites to win this encounter. They have a well rounded squad and will also enjoy the home advantage. We predict them to draw first blood. 

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