Zimbabwe fluffed a golden opportunity to win a one-day international (ODI) series against a top side when they surrendered to a 38-run defeat in the third and final match of their series against New Zealand at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
BY Kevin Mapasure
In this series, Zimbabwe has swung its loyal fans from one stream to another, once thrusting them into extreme throes of ecstasy before plunging them deep in the dungeons of despair and dejection with a 10 wicket defeat and succumbing meekly yesterday.
After restricting New Zealand to 273 in 50 overs — coupled with a good start with the bat where the first wicket stand amassed 97 runs — it looked like this would be Zimbabwe’s day.
That was, of course, before the wickets started tumbling at regular intervals with the chances diminishing as the tourists claimed the key scalps.
Zimbabwe had won the toss and elected to field, putting up a good show through their spinners to give themselves a good chance, which they fumbled, disappointingly.
Hamilton Masakadza hit a half century while Chamu Chibhabha made 32, but once the two openers were out, Zimbabwe never regained control of the match.
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The Craig Ervine and Elton Chigumbura combination did not yield much with the latter contributing just three runs while the former scored 32.
Sean Williams had the biggest score for Zimbabwe with 63 before he was dismissed by Nathan McCulum.
Zimbabwe was bowled out for 235 in 47,4 overs.
Earlier, Kane Williamson made 90 for New Zealand with Graeme Cremer retaining the best figures for Zimbabwe with 3-44 in his 10 overs.
John Nyumbu also picked up two wickets for his 52 runs after bowling the full 10 overs, while Williams did well with the ball.
After the match, Chigumbura acknowledged that the batting had let themselves down.
“Obviously the batting let us down. We had the foundation with the opening stand, but we failed to capitalise once again and it’s disappointing,” said Chigumbura.
