[Series Thread] Zimbabwe XI in Netherlands

[maehara]

CricketEurope commentary mentioned before start of play this morning that the pitch wasn't holding up well and would be difficult to play on - if that was an accurate assessment, only losing two wickets in the session was damned good going.

Agree with Train Driver: keep going to tea and add what we can by then, then declare and finish them off. It would take a right royal cock-up to throw this one away from here, especially with our bowlers seemingly on decent form...

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Matsikenyeri 68 and another very disappointing failure for Coventry with just 9

Look at Coventry's strike rate, he had no intention of holding back.

I'm not saying this in a negative way, he has probably been selected in the First Class team to play an attacking role. I like the move, it may not always come off but it gives the team a lot of flexibility. Speaking of which, I am a huge fan of Coventry, Blignaut and Chigumbura in the same side for limited overs matches - we haven't really explored all of the possibilities yet (pinch hitters, floating middle order batsmen, etc) which come about as a result of having three incredibly powerful hitters.

As for the declaration, I think a lead of 375 would be sufficient - which if he doesn't get dismissed will probably be about the time Sibanda brings up his hundred. I feel that just gives Holland a enough of a sniff to not play defensively - I'd back these bowlers to take the 10 wickets anyway, but I don't really want Holland playing for the draw.

[clikcspeed]

I'm not watching the match, just following threads from cricinfo etc. I think overall, our game is improving CONSISTENCY is the only problem with our batting, we need to get that right.

[Train Driver]

Maybe i should have worded that a little better BRM, i just feel that Coventry is still labouring under the weight of THAT innings

He didn't have a particularly spectacular domestic season and his ODI form has been very ordinary, perhaps i'm expecting too much of him

Another obvious one for the chop is Vusi Sibanda, just a mere 0 and 88 after his 209 and 116* in the last Intercontinental match, it's just not good enough

251-5 and a lead of 363, Ervine 41*, Chakabva 19*

[maehara]

They've been playing the overs since Vusi went almost like a T20, piling on a few quick runs - Chakabva 32 off 23 balls!?. Reckon they'll declare with the lead around 400.

[CrimsonAvenger]

A six, 50 for Chakabva, and declaration. Clinical

[maehara]

A six, 50 for Chakabva, and declaration. Clinical

Yup. 418 the target for Netherlands - can't see it happening...

[jamthala]

good target given by zim

[clikcspeed]

time to declare guys... time to declare! I am and will always be hopeful, Coventry will pick up and deliver...

[jamthala]