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.
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 extent of the damage done by heavy defeat in the one-off Test will be determined by Zimbabwe's response to it, making this ODI series all the more important as they head into a six-month break from international cricket.
Brendan Taylor became the first Zimbabwean to record back-to-back ODI hundreds, but once again it wasn't enough as New Zealand won the second one-dayer.
Rob Nicol became just the second New Zealander in history to hit a century on one-day debut as the Black Caps cruised to a nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe.
If Zimbabwe's series against Bangladesh and Pakistan were a test of skill and enthusiasm, then their one-day series against New Zealand is likely to be a test of character.
Chamu Chibhabha's heroics were not enough to save Zimbabwe as they suffered a 35-run defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the second Twenty20 International in Harare on Monday.
Ross Taylor started his tenure as New Zealand skipper with a 10-wicket demolition of Zimbabwe in the opening Twenty20 at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Zimbabwe and New Zealand meet for a couple of Twenty20 Internationals before the real deal of three ODI and a one-off Test and it's the the latter's new leadership that will be under the spotlight immediately.
Zimbabwe gave New Zealand an almighty scare on a thrilling final day of their Test match, but lost their last seven wickets in the final session to go down by 34 runs.
Hamilton Masakadza's careless dismissal off the last ball of day four left Zimbabwe with a mountain to climb on the final day of their Test against New Zealand.
Martin Guptill made the most of benign batting conditions at Queens Sports Club to record his seventh Test fifty on the first day of New Zealand's Test against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe are not yet at the level they managed prior to cricket's disintegration in the country, but they are improving and gaining experience and will have the opportunity to surprise a few people against the Black Caps.
