New Zealand vs Zimbabwe 2012 ODI Series

2nd One Day International

Scorecard

Rob Nicol was the hero again as New Zealand defeated Zimbabwe by 141 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series.

The all-rounder took four wickets in the first match at Dunedin but failed with the bat, and it was his big century which helped the Black Caps to victory in Whangarei on Monday.

Nicol contributed 146 as New Zealand scored an intimidating 372 for six from their 50 overs and despite stubborn resistance from Zimbabwe's middle-order helping them to 231 for eight; an early collapse had undermined any faint hopes of overhauling the target.

The Cobham Oval crowd looked set to be handed a quick finish as Zimbabwe's response began miserably. Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, captain Brendan Taylor and Regis Chakabva all went cheaply to leave the tourists on 35 for four as Kyle Mills led the way with the ball.

Tatenda Taibu (50) finally provided some resistance, however, and though Malcolm Waller became Jacob Oram's second victim, number seven Elton Chigumbura stepped up with a spirited 63 featuring seven fours and a six.

He too fell to Oram, however, and while Prosper Utseya (27 not out) and Shingi Masakadza (38) battled valiantly, it was not enough to prevent a heavy defeat. Oram finished with three for 29.

Earlier, Nicol laid into the Zimbabwe bowlers after the tourists had won the toss and sent their hosts into bat after a rain delay.

The opener's knock, off 134 balls, saw him strike 10 fours and six sixes before Utseya finally got rid of him with Shingi Masakadza making the catch. It mattered little in the grand scheme of things, though, with the opener well supported by those around him.

Opening partner Martin Guptill had managed 77 himself before being caught by Shingi Masakadza off Ray Price's slow left-arm. Oram (59) was next to go, off Masakadza, but the Black Caps had already reached 208 when he became the second wicket to fall.

Captain Brendon McCullum only added 20 and Kane Williamson four but Tom Latham produced a spirited 48, featuring four fours and two sixes, before Shingi Masakadza got rid of him.

Despite Utseya's (three for 71) ) best efforts, though, the hosts were cantering towards victory.



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