Zimbabwe were engaged in a close encounter with New Zealand and it looked like they would throw away another good shot at victory, but they triumphed in the end by a mere margin of six balls to spare. Zimbabwe’s innings began quite positively with both the openers, Hamilton Masakadza and Chamu Chibhabha playing good smart cricket and put on a 74-run first wicket partnership. They played the opening bowlers, Mitchell McClenaghan and Matt Henry, with surprising ease. Chibhabha was the first to depart after scoring a good 48-ball 42. Masakadza kept Zimbabwe in the game with sensible cricketing shots. LIVE BLOG: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2015, 1st ODI at Harare
Craig Ervine came in after Chibhabha got out and played really well and was initially second fiddle to Hamilton Masakadza, but he took the mantle after the latter got out, he went on to score his maiden ODI hundred but the job was not quite over at that point. In the final three overs, Zimbabwe required 34 and Ervine got the job done, with some support from Elton Chigumbura! Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2015, Live Cricket Score: 1st ODI at Harare
MATCH REPORT: Craig Ervine ton powers Zimbabwe to triumph against New Zealand in 1st ODI at Harare