Zimbabwe v New Zealand 3rd ODI - 5 Talking Points

Zimbabwe v New Zealand 3rd ODI – 5 Talking Points: After an exceptional display by Zimbabwe in the first ODI, New Zealand struck back in style to square the series in the previous ODI. But Zimbabwe, batsmen faltered miserably in the third match. They had a great opportunity to win the series and they looked in a good position to chase down 274 but fell agonizingly short by 38 runs thus handed over the series to the visitors 2-1.

Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura earlier won the toss (sixth time in a row) and opted to field. For New Zealand, James Neesham and Ben Wheeler came in. Ross Taylor, who suffered a groin injury while training was replaced by Neesham while Wheeler took Matt Henry’s place.

Here are the five talking points of the Zimbabwe v New Zealand 3rd ODI:

1. Gritty innings from Williamson:

Williamson registered his sixth consecutive 50 plus score and eventually went on to make 90 of 126 balls. When we consider that the next best score was only 42, we realize the worth of the skipper’s knock. He was also helped by the Zimbabwe keeper Chakabva who missed a crucial stumping chance against him off Raza’s bowling when he was batting on 54.

2. The economical show of Zimbabwe spinners:

The Zimbabwe spinners were brilliant. With the pitch offering a bit of assistance, the trio of Cremer, Nyumbu and Williams shared the 6 wickets to fall. The young tweaker John Nyumbu was exceptional as he picked up crucial wickets of Williamson and Latham, while the leggie Cremer picked up 3 wickets. They ensured that the Kiwis did not run away with the game and the home side had a manageable target.

3. Zimbabwe loosing their way after a solid start:

An opening partnership of over 90 runs meant that Zimbabwe were on course to chase the target. But irresponsible shots changed the dimensions of the game. They let the initiative go away in the middle overs. Williams who made 62 tried his best but with regular wickets at the other end it was never going to be enough.

4. Ish Sodhi’s spell and the Kiwi pacers:

Ish Sodhi, the leg spinner made full use of the opportunity and did justice to the faith reposed in him by the selectors. He dismissed the previous game’s star Sikandar Raza brilliantly through his flight and guile. Raza lofted a straight drive to long off. Mitchell McClenaghan bowled with intent, and got 3 crucial wickets and hand over the Kiwi side a comfortable win in the end.

5. Chibabha playing too slow: 

Though Chibhabha made 32 but the opener took a lot of deliveries (65). That came back to haunt Zimbabwe at the back end of the innings as they made tough work of a target they were on course to get. Though Williams tried his best, the fellow batsmen got dismissed in a bid to up the scoring rate.