*ZIMBABWE VS NETHERLANDS MATCH 5 PREVIEW- ICC WORLDCUP QUALIFIERS 2023*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Zimbabwe were on the receiving end of a good batting performance but their stunning display with the wood in hand is what eventually became the highlight of their first Qualifier game vs Nepal. Craig Ervine alongside Sean Williams stole the show with magnificent centuries and made Nepal pay. But come tomorrow, the African boys have a tougher job at hand as they lock horns against Netherlands, a stronger and a stiffer opposition who have a greater hunger to win games and this attitude of theirs was pretty much evident in the warmups as they brushed a strengthened IRE side aside.
What would disappoint the Zimbabweans is their inability to take down the openers of Nepal quickly. They were rather timid with the new ball allowing both Kushal and Aasif to breach the 50 run mark. A better show is expected out of Ngarava, Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani as Zim are set to play in Harare for the first time ever this WorldCup Qualifiers.
As far as Netherlands is concerned, this is their first game at this prestigious pre Worldcup event and they will look to take maximum amount of positives out of it. A win would certainly boost their confidence because defeating the home side is one achievement that will go along way and will be credited. Their last game victory against Ireland was emphatic where the bowlers took a toll of the Irish batters and bundled them out for a 193, loads of inspiration can be taken from that extraordinary win and applied into this game versus Zimbabwe. Scott Edwards, the keeper cum skipper of this side has a big job on his hands and the 26 year old would look to start things off on a sunny note.
*ZIM PROBABLE XI:*
J Gumbie, Craig Ervine(c), Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madanda(wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani
Don’t expect Zim to go through any of the changes just after a single game. It would be unfair on those who couldn’t perform in just one outing and proper time is needed for the best result to be obtained. With a strong first XI with two centurions backing it up, it’s definitely the bowling that needs fixation. The allround skills of Raza weren’t on display the other day as he turned out with expensive figures with the ball, leaking 44 runs after the 36 bowls that he delivered. On top of that, Tendai Chatara needs to pick his game up and deliver after a disappointing 1/59 after 7 overs. The likes of Ngarava, Muzarabani and Masakadza were sensational. Ngarava with his left arm swing gave enough troubles to the batters and would look to shine again come the Netherlands challenge at Harare. ZIM could look to start off with Muzarabani and Ngarava to set the tone upfront and make the new ball talk.
You, as a genuine supporter of the game, turn up to see some of the star allrounders go about their business and with a big game on their hands, Sikandar Raza could make an integral role here. An improved performance from the bowl as well as playing the saviours job with wickets likely to fall at the beginning is expected from the giant. Can’t wait to see him go about his business and deliver a blockbuster show.
Sean Williams wracked up the fastest century by a ZIM player in ODIs the other day and boy, did he look gorgeous with that willow in hand. He was enjoying his time out there, smoking every bowler and making it count. His form leading into this game could be crucial as the position where he bats is crucial.
*NETHERLANDS PROBABLE XI:*
Max O Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Wesley Barrisi, Noah Cross, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards(c)(wk), Saqib Zulfikar, Logan Van Beek, Shariz Ahmed, Aryan Dutt, Bas De Leede/Clayton Floyd
I was in awe of Barresi’s 90 odd knock where the second best score was a mere 30 off 63 by Shariz Ahmed. He soaked in the pressure in style as the stakes were high and marked his beginning in fashion. A knock of this kind elevates not just the confidence of the individual but that of the entire team and Baressi was succesful in making sure that the confidence levels of Netherlands were uplifted or elevated. His form could be crucial come Netherlands’ opening encounter.
Aryan Dutt will attract a fair share of attention because of his stunning form in the warmups. While the others were busy going for plenty against SL, he gave away simply 30 runs off the 42 balls he bowled, picking up one wicket and against Ireland, he was instrumental giving away just 27 for 2 wickets and all of this while being economical. Late form into the reckoning could be a real bonus for the 20 year old as Netherlands gear up to come out good in their maiden game.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR ZIM:*
Highest run getter- Sean Williams/Sikandar Raza
Highest wicket taker- Blessing Muzarabani/ Richard Ngarava
*FOR NED:*
Highest run getter- Vikramjit Singh/Wesley Barresi
Highest wicket taker- Aryan Dutt/Logan Van Beek
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Zimbabwe to win.