Nicol masterminds emphatic Kiwi win
Zimbabwe's bowlers must be tired of the sight of Rob Nicol after the opener smashed another century in New Zealand's convincing 141-run victory in the second ODI in Whangarei.
Zimbabwe's bowlers must be tired of the sight of Rob Nicol after the opener smashed another century in New Zealand's convincing 141-run victory in the second ODI in Whangarei.
The right-hander followed up his unbeaten 108 in the series opener with 146 from 134 balls on Monday to lead the hosts to a mammoth 372 for six in their 50 overs. Zimbabwe's batsmen could only manage 231 for eight in their chase.
Nicol, whose knock included 10 fours and six sixes, shared a 131-run opening stand with Martin Guptill, who contributed 77 before he was caught at deep midwicket off slow left-armer Ray Price.
While the 28-year-old centurion will no doubt receive most of the plaudits, it was Jacob Oram who provided most of the fireworks with a blistering 28-ball 59. Coming in at No 3, the veteran all-rounder rolled back the years as he stroked five fours and cleared the rope four times.
By the time he miscued Hamilton Masakadza to long-on in the 33rd over, New Zealand were looking good with 208 already on the board.
Nicol kept punishing Zimbabwe, who produced another poor display in the field as they dropped several chances and fluffed a few run-outs. His majestic knock finally ended when he was caught at deep midwicket off Prosper Utseya (three for 71).
The punishment wasn't over for the visitors as Tom Latham added insult to injury with 48 from 25 balls to push the Black Caps to 372.
Zimbabwe's chase got off to a disastrous start once again as they slipped to 62 for five inside 20 overs.
Masakadza smashed Tim Southee to point, Stuart Matsikenyeri was caught at third man off Kyle Mills and captain Brendan Taylor edged Mills to the wicketkeeper.
Oram proved that he can still produce the goods with the ball as he sent Regis Chakabva and Malcolm Waller on their way.
Tatenda Taibu (50) and Elton Chigumbura (63) shared an 80-run stand to add some respectability to the total, but Nicol followed up his heroics with the bat with the wicket of Taibu, who smashed him to long-on.
Chigumbura dragged Oram back onto his stumps while Masakadza was the final man out for 38 when he skied part-timer Kane Williamson to cover.
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