All-round Sean Williams guides Zimbabwe to series win over Netherlands

Half-centuries from Gary Ballance and Wesley Madhevere helped Zimbabwe defeat the Netherlands by seven wickets and win a World Cup Super League one-day international series 2-1 on Saturday (March 25). After two midweek thrillers that were won in the final over, the home side were always ahead on run rate after restricting the tourists to 231 for 9.

Sikandar Raza hit the match-winning four, taking Zimbabwe to 235 for three with 50 balls remaining at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe have often battled in all three formats due to poor top-order batting, but openers Madhevere and captain Craig Ervine excelled this time by putting on 96 for the first wicket.

After their departures, former England batter Ballance and Sean Williams maintained the dominance of the Dutch attack to deliver a 96-run third-wicket partnership. While Ballance top scored with an unbeaten 64, including eight fours, Madhevere (50), Ervine (44) and Williams (43) played significant roles.

Teenage Dutch leg-spinner Shariz Ahmad, who took five wickets on Thursday in a one-run second match loss, captured another two, but they came at a high price as he conceded 71 runs. Opener Max O'Dowd top scored with 38 for the Netherlands after captain Scott Edwards won the toss for the first time in the series.

Colin Ackerman (37) and Edwards (34) also made valuable knocks. However, none of the trio could manage a six, with O'Dowd hitting six fours, Ackermann two and Edwards four.

The tourists' lone six came from Aryan Dutt, who batted at number nine and scored 15 off 14 deliveries. Williams was the most impressive Zimbabwe bowler, capturing three wickets for 41 runs, including those of Ackermann and Edwards.

With both countries out of contention for direct entry to the 2023 World Cup in India, they used the series to prepare for a qualifying tournament Zimbabwe will host in June and July.

Brief scores:

Netherlands 231 for 9 in 50 overs (Max O'Dowd 38, Colin Ackermann 37; Sean Williams 3 for 41) lost to Zimbabwe 235 for 3 in 41.4 overs (Gary Ballance 64*, Wesley Madhevere 50; Shariz Ahmed 2 for 71) by 7 wickets

Player of the match: Sean Williams

Player of the series: Sean Williams