They gave their all and came so close, but in the end Zimbabwe had to settle for second best yet again as Kane Williamson's late blitz broke their hearts.
New Zealand's current Twenty20 squad that is playing against Zimbabwe will be retained for the first two matches against South Africa.
Zimbabwe put in an improved performance, but continued to suffer at the hands of Martin Guptill as New Zealand won the first Twenty20 international.
Tatenda Taibu owes Zimbabwe a good knock, while Brendan Taylor's side have an opportunity to show some strength of character.
Canterbury Wizards all-rounder Andrew Ellis has been added to New Zealand's Twenty20 squad for the two matches against Zimbabwe following an injury to Dean Brownlie.