Zimbabwe XI continued to maintain a firm hold on their Intercontinental Cup match against Netherlands in Amstelveen. A string of half-centuries helped them expand their lead to 417 before their bowlers nipped out four wickets as the home side attempted to pull off a huge chase.
Resuming on 79 for 2, Zimbabwe's overnight batsmen Stuart Matsikenyeri and Vusi Sibanda pushed the score to 119 before Matsikenyeri was bowled by Maurits Jonkman for 68. Charles Coventry was also dismissed soon after, but a couple of big partnerships followed which put the visitors in a virtually unbeatable position. Sibanda added 84 with Craig Ervine for the fifth wicket before falling for 88. His exit didn't slow Zimbabwe though, as Regis Chakabva blasted a 33-ball 54 to dominate an 86-run stand with Ervine.
Netherland's chase got off to a poor start, losing two wickets by the eighth over. Their first innings rescuer, Wesley Barresi, then put on 67 with opener Eric Szwarczynski before becoming Ed Rainsford's second victim. Netherlands slipped to 109 for 4 with the run-out of Wifred Diepeveen, and though Szwarczynski was unbeaten on 60, they faced a tough battle to save the game.