Opener Rob Nicol plundered 146, the fifth highest One-Day International (ODI) score by a New Zealand batsman, as they trounced Zimbabwe by 141 runs in the second match.
The victory at Cobham Oval, following the 90-run win in the first ODI, gave New Zealand an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and follows the overwhelming innings-and-301-run rout of Zimbabwe in their one-off Test.
Nicol’s man-of-the-match 146 off 134 balls enabled New Zealand post a comprehensive 372 for six before Jacob Oram helped restrict Zimbabwe to 231 for eight.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was a pleased man.
“The team played much better than Dunedin,” said McCullum. “The pitch was really flat and great for batting. This was pretty close to a complete performance.”
Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor, however, admitted his side was outplayed.
“I’m very disappointed,” said Taylor. “We don’t have much time until the next game, but we’ll try to improve. The guys have struggled with the bat so it was good to see a few contribute today.”
The final ODI is on Thursday and will be followed by two Twenty20s to round off the Zimbabwe tour.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2012.
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