New Zealand overpower Zimbabwe in easy win

Ruthless McCullum ensures 10-wicket victory in 1st T20.

HARARE:

Brendan McCullum bludgeoned his way to an unbeaten 46-ball 81 to help New Zealand beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the first of the two Twenty20 internationals.

McCullum's brilliant onslaught was well supported by Martin Guptill who made 40.

Chasing 124 for victory, Brendan was unmerciful against the hapless Zimbabwe bowlers, who were put to the sword by the opener, hitting five boundaries and six maximums, while Guptill on the other hand played a good supporting hand to see the Kiwis through to a comfortable win by the 14th over.

Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor fought a lone battle against New Zealand's bowlers. Taylor made 50 not out as Zimbabwe limped to 123 for eight in their 20 overs after being sent in.

The hosts were hit by the late withdrawals of two key players, experienced wicket-keeper Tatenda Taibu and batsman Vusi Sibanda.

Fast-bowler Kyle Mills struck two early blows for New Zealand, dismissing both openers inside the first five overs.

Malcolm Waller tried to lift the scoring rate but was dismissed by Nathan McCullum, who also dismissed Charles Coventry. Mills finished with two for 15 and Nathan McCullum took two for 17 as most Kiwi bowlers proved difficult to score off.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2011.