New Zealand hammer sorry Zimbabwe

Romp to a 10-wicket victory, comfortably chasing 162.

AHMEDABAD:

New Zealand romped to a clinical 10-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the World Cup, boosting their chances of making it to the quarter-finals.

After bowling out the African nation for just 162, the Kiwis rode on unbeaten half-centuries by Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum to canter to the target with 99 balls to spare in the Group A clash.

Highest opening partnership

The 162-run opening partnership between Guptill (86) and McCullum (76) was the highest for the tournament. The victory, the second for New Zealand by a 10-wicket margin in the tournament, moved them up in the table with four points from three games. Pakistan lead the charts with three wins from as many matches.

Guptill, named man of the match, launched New Zealand’s chase with a bang, carting seven fours and two sixes off 108 balls on way to his 10th One-Day International half-century. McCullum was equally belligerent, hitting six fours and two sixes in his 95-ball knock.

“It was a good partnership,” said McCullum. “I thought we were outstanding with the ball. A win like this is very good for confidence.”

Vettori basks in Kiwi win

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said the win was a much-needed confidence boost.

“I think it’s the performance that we were looking for,” he said. “Now we’ve got to replicate that against some of the bigger nations.”

Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura cut a sorry figure as he tried to explain his team’s capitulation.

“It was a very disappointing game from us. It’s a game we will like to forget quickly and move onto the next one.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2011.