Zimbabwe v New Zealand 3rd ODI Review: Williamson and Sodhi seal the ODI series

Zimbabwe v New Zealand 3rd ODI Review: Williamson and Sodhi seal the ODI series: New Zealand defeated Zimbabwe by 38 runs in the 3^rd and final ODI match of the series. With the win, New Zealand secured the series victory by 2-1. Coming into the match, the Kiwi’s had the momentum after derailing the hosts comprehensively in the 2^nd ODI by 10 wickets. But, the spirited Zimbabwean’s were also ready to turn the tables this time around en route to a rare series win against the tourists. The stakes were high as Zimbabwe has always performed decently and sometimes even had undone the biggies in their favorable home conditions. The New Zealand team had tasted defeat in the 1^st ODI match which was a testimony that the home side is not going to give up that easily. But, in the 2^nd ODI, Kiwis had showcased that who the boss is. But, in spite of that after suffering series loss at the hands of the English side, they must have had their hearts in the mouth.

Now, everything was set for an emblazoning encounter at Harare. It was a fight for the pride and glory of the both the nations. The Zimbabwean fans were anxious yet optimistic that the regime of Chigumbura-Whatmore could replicate the magic of the colossal Zimbabwe side of the eras of early 2000s. After winning the toss, the Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura opted to bowl to exploit the early advantage which was there for the seamers on the pitch. New Zealand suffered a big loss in the form of the injury of Ross Taylor, Jimmy Neesham and Ben Wheeler were drafted into the squad while hosts made a lone change by including John Nyumbu in the final XI.

Zimbabwe was unable to make early inroads in the game. Nyumbu drew first blood when he got rid of Tom Latham in the 10^th over of the game. But, then arrived the man of the moment Kane Williamson who has been in impeccable touch with the bat and commanded the innings like a sheer champion once again.  Kane was cautious but at the same time tactful as he pierced the gaps on regular intervals, he built up the innings like he ever does with flawless authority.

Every other Kiwi batsman revolved around him. He made his 6^th consecutive 50 plus score in ODIs but the chap seems to be chasing Sachin Tendulkar’s record. It’s a rather unwanted record of getting out in nervous nineties for 6 times in a year. He got out on 90 runs rather you can say it was the steep brilliance of Ervine at long-on which snatched away his century, for the 5^th  time this year he had fallen in the nervous nineties.

Flamboyance of Neesham (37) and Nathan McCullum (25) ensured that Kiwi side scored 273 runs in a pressure match. When Zimbabwean openers came to crease, the aspiration for a win was ever so visible in their eyes. After 22 overs, Masakadza and Chibhabha had carved a dream start for the home side as they were 97 runs for no wicket. The hearts of the Kiwis must be pounding at that time. But, then McClenaghan and Sodhi masked the face of the heroes as their excellence halted all the progress made by the home side.

Chibhabha was the first one to go. But, it was the crucial scalps of Chigumbura (3) and Raza (5) which broke the backbone of the side. It was Ish Sodhi who spun a web and deceived both the batters. Believe me you cannot take this man out of the game. Kiwi skipper Willamson removed Masakadza (57). The dazzling innings of Sean Williams (63) couldn’t light up the hopes of the dusking Zimbabwe.

New Zealand routed the Zimbabwean’s by 38 runs. It seemed as if it was the narration of the similar old age story of the hosts which has routed its place in their minds like some ghosts. Once again in both the facets of the game, there were ample opportunities for Zimbabwe but they couldn’t overcome their similar foes. On bowling front, till the 40 overs the game seemed tilted towards them but their incompetence in the back end of the innings was exposed by the duo of McCullum and Neesham. Poor death bowling severely dismantled the excellent work done by the spinning duo of Cremer and Nyumbu.

On batting front they had a dream start, but it was Chibhabha’s responsibility to make up for the slow start but he faltered. The senior Masakadza was all set but he couldn’t mutter a short ball of Williamson and got out recklessly in a matter of few minutes after his other partner had got out. Until and unless Zimbabwe batters cannot take responsibility of leading their team to victory, the same thing would keep happening again and again like it has been for decades. The man in form Chigumbura and Raza didn’t show any resistance and Williams was left with an improbable task which was beyond his reach.

If Zimbabwe wants to revoke their golden times once again then Whatmore must sweat even harder by digging inside the Zimbabwe system which has taken severe wounds on its face after the crisis between 2003 and 2011. They can argue that the lives of their players are no-where near other Internationals if we consider facilities and financial factors but now only their exceptional performances can do wonders for them.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand – 273/6 (50 overs) (K Williamson – 90; A Cremer – 3-44) won by 38 runs.

Zimbabwe – 235 (47.4 overs) (H Masakadza – 57; McClenaghan – 3-36)