Ervine century puts Zimbabwe in control
Craig Ervine's century was the centerpiece of Zimbabwe XI's competitive first-innings total at the VRA ground in Amstelveen
Cricinfo staff
25-Jul-2010
Craig Ervine's century was the centerpiece of Zimbabwe XI's competitive first-innings total at the VRA ground in Amstelveen. Though there weren't any big scores from any of the other batsmen, Ervine's third first-class hundred pushed Zimbabwe to nearly 300 against Netherlands on the first day.
Zimbawe were in early trouble after choosing to bat losing their first three wickets for eight runs by the third over. All three early wickets were taken by medium-pacer Berend Westdijk, who was playing only his third first-class match. However, opener Stuart Matsikenyeri and Ervine prompted a recovery by adding 80 runs for the third wicket before Matsikenyeri was lbw.
Ervine was involved in a couple of other substantial partnerships, both of which he dominated - 83 with Ed Rainsford for the sixth and 75 with wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva for the seventh. Ervine was then dismissed for 145, following which there were two more quick wickets and Zimbabwe finished up on 298.
The Netherlands reply got off to a poor start in the five overs they have to face before stumps. Nick Statham was run out without facing a ball, and the other opener Eric Szwarczynski was bowled by Natsai Mushangwe in the fourth over as Netherlands ended the day on 7 for 2.
