NZ record handsome win

New Zealand has won convincingly against a Zimbabwe Board XI in Bulawayo ahead of the one-day tri-series on Wednesday, defeating the home side by eight wickets.

Batting first, the Board XI could only muster 193 for 8 in their 50 overs. Brendon Taylor made 49 for the local side, with Craig Wishart and Stuart Carlisle (35 and 24 respectively) also contributing. All the New Zealand bowlers were accurate, with Jacob Oram making a confident return to the bowling crease, 8 overs for 25 runs but wicketless. Young spinner Jeetan Patel picked up two wickets, bowling in tandem with Daniel Vettori.

Andre Adams stole the show however, with one for 12 off nine overs.

Lou Vincent and Stephen Fleming wasted no time in chasing the target and raced along at over ten an over. Vincent posted his half-century in 30 balls, as he and his captain posted 108 for the first stand. Fleming fell for 46 while Vincent was adjudged leg-before for 66. At 146 for 2, Craig McMillan and Hamish Marshall guided the Black Caps home with 24.5 overs to spare. McMillan looked in fine touch for his 46 not out, while Marshall made an unbeaten 25.

Meanwhile test opener James Marshall has been included in the squad as cover for the injured Nathan Astle. Astle’s injury is not serious, but his finger has not shown significant improvement in the last few days.

New Zealand plays Zimbabwe in the first tri-series match in Bulawayo on Wednesday night (NZ time).