IT IS not often that Zimbabwe stand a decent chance of qualifying for the semi-final of an ICC tournament.
They were one win away from making the final four of the ICC Knockout — later renamed Champions Trophy — in 2000, but fell short against New Zealand; they made the Super Sixes in the 2003 World Cup, but fizzled out in the race to the last four.
All these years later, a well-rated Zimbabwe unit led by an allrounder living a dream are two steps away from history. To begin, they will need to beat Netherlands today, something they will surely fancy.
Although they are still in contention, Zimbabwe need a collective performance to keep themselves afloat before the much-tougher challenge of India comes their way.
Wessly Madhevere helped them rack up 79 in nine overs against South Africa but the rest of their batters hardly contributed, before the bowling was clubbed for 51 in three overs; but when they squeezed through a one-run win against Pakistan, it was their bowlers Sikandar Raza, Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava who helped defend a meagre 130; and come Bangladesh, only Sean Williams made a defining contribution as Zimbabwe fell short by just three runs in pursuit of 151.
For Netherlands, four out of their six games so far in this World Cup — including the first round — saw tight finishes. They won two of those four matches, before India and Pakistan brushed them aside.
But like their bowlers showed by dismissing four batters and making Pakistan work hard even in their chase of 92, Netherlands aren’t easy to push over. Although they are already out of the tournament after threatening to upset Bangladesh in their first game of the Super 12s, the Dutch have certainly left their mark.
After all, Max O’Dowd is the World Cup’s fifth-highest run-scorer and Bas de Leede is its joint second-highest wickettaker. Zimbabwe and Netherlands don’t meet often — they have played each other only seven times across formats so far — No. 8 will be on the biggest stage and both teams will be relishing it.
Zimbabwe will seek more consistency from their captain Craig Ervine and Sean Williams, two of their most experienced members in the current set-up. They have fallen for a combined seven single-digit scores in 12 innings since landing in Australia, even as Zimbabwe hope they can deliver when it matters most.
Both are in the twilight of their careers, and what better opportunity to ensure they walk away with sweet memories? Netherlands’ bowlers have conceded 160-plus only twice across six matches in this competition.
The show has been led by Bas de Leede, who has nine wickets at 14.44, while Paul van Meekeren isn’t far behind with seven at 19.42 and an excellent economy of 5.66. De Leede will turn 23 in a few days’ time; van Meekeren will turn 30 next January but Netherlands will hope these two can serve them just the same way for the years to come. — ESPNcricinfo