 The third and final ODI between New Zealand and Zimbabwe will be played
in October 25 at Queens Sports Club at 7:30 GMT. New Zealand have already won
the series, as was expected but now will be the time to make it 3-0 and clean
sweep the series.
Like the previous matches Zimbabwe failed to show a strong competition with
their opponent, though in the second ODI they put up a good total of 259 for
8. Once again their skipper rescued them form a batting debacle as once they
were 83/4. From that dangerous moment Brendon Taylor made unbeaten 107
runs. He is now the first ever Zimbabwean player to score a back to back century.
Click for Live Score Card of Zimbabwe Vs New Zealand
260 run is obviously a fighting total, but Zimbabwean bowlers once again failed
to create early breakthrough. In fact, they took only 3 wickets before the second
ODI. The third ODI will not be nothing more than a formality, but a win against
New Zealand could bring happiness in the Zimbabwean side.
To get a win in the third ODI, first of all their top orders batsmen have to try
to remain on the track as much as possible, otherwise it will be a total batting
debacle if Taylor cannot score well. Then their bowlers should try something new
so that they can provide early break through.
In the previous match McCullum got four lives due to offensively poor fielding
quality, they must upgrade their fielding otherwise it will be difficult to
get rid of batsmen like McCullum, Martin Guptill and Nicol because they
will not usually give second chance.
New Zealand have won the Twenty20I series, then they secured the ODI series with
one match to spare, so there will be no pressure in their minds, they will play
their normal attacking cricket which could be more devastating for the hosts.
All they can improve is their bowling. Fans expect a little bit more from their
bowlers as Zimbabwe are not considered a big name in cricket.
Certainly, New Zealand have the upper hand in the third ODI like the previous
matches, but Zimbabwe will play all out so there may be an unexpected
result, but to get that the hosts must play a lot better in all departments.
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