Madhevere played a significant role in the victory by dismantling the Netherlands’ middle order, thus shifting the momentum in Zimbabwe’s favour. The visitors had been dominating the match with a score of 213/3 at one stage. However, Madhevere’s spin bowling in the 43rd over of the second innings changed the course of the game.
Madhevere’s hat-trick came at a crucial stage and proved to be a turning point in the match. He dismissed Colin Ackermann, Teja Nidamanuru and Paul van Meekeren off consecutive deliveries, becoming only the third player from Zimbabwe to achieve this feat. The other two players to have achieved an ODI hat-trick for Zimbabwe are Eddo Brandes and Prosper Utseya. Madhevere’s performance was instrumental in Zimbabwe’s victory, and he was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for his all-round performance.
Zimbabwe had been bowled out for 271 in 49.2 overs, but drama unfolded in the second innings, as in the first ODI.
The backbone of Zimbabwe’s innings was a 104-run partnership between Sean Williams and Clive Madande. Shariz Ahmad starred for the Netherlands, taking 5/43, his first five-for in ODI cricket. At one stage, Netherlands looked to be cruising towards the target of 272, with Tom Cooper and Max O’Dowd going great guns. However, a run-out and a wicket from Sikandar Raza turned the match in Zimbabwe’s favour.
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In the post-match interview, Madhevere talked about his mentality before entering the field. “All credit goes to the teammates, the coaches and especially the guys who have known me for a long time. Hopefully, it’s going to carry on for a long time. Honestly, I’m not sure where I would like to bat. My responsibility is to score runs for the team whether I’m batting 1 or 5. That’s my mentality. Feels good to be able to contribute to the team, to be able to win a game for Zimbabwe, so many people dream about that, hopefully, I can carry on. 100%, it is always nice to win games, hopefully, we will win the last one, but we are chuffed with this win,” he added.
The win has also kept Zimbabwe’s hopes alive in the three-match series, with the third and final ODI scheduled for Saturday at the same venue.
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