Alright, the players are on the field finally. No reduction in overs. Shingi Masakadza to open the bowling to Rob Nicol

The delightfully named Wilfred Hickenshire (if that is indeed your real name!):"@Mark I am a huge Black Cap Fan, but not even I could be naive enough to think Zimbabwe would have a better chance against India. NZ is on the way up, but arrogance is premature. An ODI Ranking of 83 compared to Australia's 130 indicates there is a huge amount of work to be done."

Akshay tells Mark off: "@Mark: Don't get ahead of yourself. NZ has only won 1 test match against opposition that isn't Zimbabwe for a while (although what a match that was). Even as a fan of NZ Cricket, I think everyone is getting too far ahead of themselves, when we start winning a few more matches against top ranked teams, then we can talk about getting near the top of the rankings."

11.30am The umpires have given the green light for a start in five minutes at 11.35am, which is good news. Now for the rain to hold...

Meanwhile, New Zealand coach John Wright wants better output from his young middle order, and Kyle Mills is wary of underestimating his opponents.

The pitch should be good for batting, although again there is a touch more grass than usual due to the unseasonal rains that have been doing their best to ruin club cricket throughout New Zealand for the last two months!

Mark tries to be polite: "No disrespect to Zimbabwe but, quite frankly, I think they would have a better chance of a win if they were playing India. It's early days but I think NZ has a new air of self-belief about them. Their team balance is way better than it used to be, they are bringing in new players whilst retaining older players who are still in form and have a no-nonsense coach. Like Pakistan, I think they have started to ring the changes and are on their way up. Others like India and Sri Lanka are on their way down and I think England and South Africa are also vulnerable. My prediction is that the test and ODI rankings may be in for some significant changes in the next 2-3 years."

11.20am The umpires Rod Tucker and Tony Hill tell Mark Richardson on air that they will be having a look at the pitch in a couple of minutes, but are hoping to start within the next 10 minutes.

Dylan: "As an avid Zimbabwe supporter I hope that some of our "senior" players will step up today. Masakadza is seriously short of runs at the moment and hope he can change that today." Indeed, Firdose had made that point in the preview. She is on Twitter too, if you're interested, @FirdoseM.

Simon is perplexed: "Zimbabwe have won the last three tosses (Test and 2 ODIs) and chose to field each time knowing they will get pounded by NZ batsmen. Was there a deal made before the tour?"

11.10am Yay! All of a sudden the rain eases off. Hopefully we will see a start soon! Then again, it could be raining by the time I finish typing this sentence...

Meanwhile, you can follow us on Twitter @ESPNcricinfo, and you might catch me on there too @MannerOfSpeakin.

11.05am Argh, back comes the rain. Zimbabwe need to win today to keep the series alive. zoot1999 asks: "Who seriously thinks Zim have what it takes to win this ODI ?? I think they have a chance if they can just get someone batting with Taylor, and if Jarvis bowls well."

Srinath asks: "I don't see any footage in India. Any idea ?" Unfortunately the TV broadcasters in India don't share your enthusiasm, and are not showing this series. You might need to find a channel on the internet, or as it's known in Giles Clarke-land, 'the biggest danger to the game'!

10.50am The rain appears to be easing off. Hopefully it does so completely and then stays away for the rest of the day. Andrew and I are both quite bored of covering falling drops of water!

Our lovely South African correspondent Firdose Moonda, who also follows Zimbabwe with a keen interest, had this to say about the opening ODI in Dunedin: "As with most one-day series, the first match of this one served as an illustration of the work that needs to be done from both sides." Read more in her match preview.

10.30am Good morning and welcome to ESPNcricinfo's live coverage of the 2nd ODI in this 3-match series between New Zealand and Zimbabwe from the Cobham Oval in Whangarei.

The news from the toss is that, yet again, Zimbabwe have won the toss and have, also yet again, chosen to bowl. All-rounder Keegan Meth has been replaced by the off-spinner and former captain Prosper Utseya in the visiting XI.

For New Zealand, leg-spinner Tarun Nethula comes in for his ODI debut and veteran all-rounder Jacob Oram gets a game. Doug Bracewell and Nathan McCullum are sitting out from the previous ODI in Dunedin.

And just as Brendon McCullum was being interviewed after the toss, rain began to pelt down and the covers were hurried back into place over the pitch. Hopefully it will clear before the scheduled start time of 11.00am.

Today is a public holiday across all of New Zealand on account of Waitangi Day, which marks the beginning of the Kiwi nation as we know it today. In a smart move, New Zealand Cricket have chosen to schedule an ODI today. Cobham Oval, a picturesque boutique ground with a 5500 capacity, and Whangarei, a small centre north of Auckland, are hosting their first-ever international match. CEO Gary Bell and the folks at Northland Cricket have worked very hard to ensure all arrangements are to the ICC's satisfaction. A good crowd is expected, and hopefully the rain will not put off any punters walking up to the ground.

By the way, this is Avi Singh with you on scoring and commentary for the entire duration today. Here in Auckland, the weather is holding but the clouds above look like they are about to burst at any moment. We have Andrew Fernando doing match reports today, his toss update will be available shortly.

0.1

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, stays back and defends down to begin

0.2

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, charges ambitiously down the track but is a touch cramped and squeezes it to cover

0.3

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, another accurate short ball on off, bit of bounce gets Nicol jumping to defend

0.4

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, this is fuller but well outside off and he lets it go

0.5

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, again wide of off and he lets it through once more

0.6

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, tidy start for Zimbabwe as Shinig bowls a maiden, again Nicol came charging down but can't get the cut past point

1.1

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, lets a full ball outside off through to Taibu

1.2

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, comes forward and defends very late on middle, bounces under his eyes and rolls away from the stumps

1.3

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, good length ball on off and Guptill defends to point

1.4

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, takes a step forward and punches to cover

1.5

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, this is full outside off and he drives but again finds cover

1.6

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, goes for an ambitious flick on leg but inside edges into the pad, another maiden as Zimbabwe start the day very well

2.1

SW Masakadza to Nicol, FOUR, goodness me, Nicol charges down the wicket with the intent of an axe murderer and slices the slog over the slips with a top edge to get off the mark not just in this match, but also the series

2.2

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, normal service resumes as he gets forward and defends solidly

2.3

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, walks across and forward outside off and inside edges the flick into the pad, pops up on the wicket

2.4

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, full on middle and nicely punched back down the pitch, Shingi does well to dive across and cut it off

2.5

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, comfortably outside off and he lets it go

2.6

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, short and wide of off but not called as Nicol leaves

Scott is happy: "Yippee!! A run!!"

3.1

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, bounces up sharply outside off and Guptill weaves out of the way quickly

3.2

Jarvis to Guptill, 2 runs, on the pads and he clips it through square leg, the ball really races away through the lush outfield

3.3

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, this is a nice ball on off which moves away a touch, Guptill defends nicely to point

3.4

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, this is on the pads and he again misses the flick, hits the top of the thigh pad and drops dead

3.5

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, this one nips back in from middle and Guptill plays it down, movement both ways for Jarvis

3.6

Jarvis to Guptill, 2 runs, Guptill loses patience and slices the loft over the covers, not well timed and plops in the outfield

Mark from Morton: "Is this the first time an international team has opened with two batsmen who've scored tons on debut?" It is if you're only talking about ODIs, here is the list of ODi hundreds on debut.

3.6

Jarvis to Guptill, 2 runs, Guptill loses patience and slices the loft over the covers, not well timed and plops in the outfield

Mark from Morton: "Is this the first time an international team has opened with two batsmen who've scored tons on debut?" It is if you're only talking about ODIs, here is the list of ODi hundreds on debut.

4.1

SW Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run, comes down, plays the block straight to mid-off, sets off as soon as he hits it, has to rush in and there is a direct hit by the fielder but Nicol's stretch and dive gets him home relatively comfortably

4.2

SW Masakadza to Guptill, no run, this is a good length ball outside off, Guptill rocks back and finds the close cover

4.3

SW Masakadza to Guptill, no run, a full toss outside off and Guptill's bat rolls in his hands as he mistimes it down to mid-on

4.4

SW Masakadza to Guptill, no run, tidy line and length as Guptill defends off middle stump on the back foot down the pitch

4.5

SW Masakadza to Guptill, no run, a short ball outside off and Guptill walks down and pumps the pull over the head of his ducking partner Nicol but mid-on comes round to cut it off

4.6

SW Masakadza to Guptill, 1 run, this is a short ball down leg, Guptill hops and plays it off the ribs through backward square

Mark responds to his critics: "Boy some people need to seriously chill out. No one is being arrogant or getting ahead of themselves. I said it was early days and I have been an NZ fan who has known plenty of disappointments in recent years. What I am saying is that teams like NZ and Pakistan have been starting to address long-standing flaws in their cricket and are now exhibiting a freshness and self-belief that has been lacking and they are beginning to reap the rewards of that. Some other teams have just carried on with their heads in the sand and their results are showing the effects of that inaction. It's not arrogance at all, merely a reflection of where different cricket boards and teams are at. Now count to 10 slowly people!"

Marcus: "Bit of a cautious start from NZ!! What if it rains off and the game is shortened like yesterday's Aus vs Ind ODI?" I suppose they can't really bat with that in mind, no doubt they would be criticised for throwing their wickets away were they to try and up the tempo

5.1

Jarvis to Guptill, FOUR, full and on the pads, Guptill flicks it away nicely over the infield to the midwicket fence

5.2

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, plays this down into the off side

5.3

Jarvis to Guptill, 1 run, this is again on the pads and Guptill tucks it through square leg

5.4

Jarvis to Nicol, FOUR, nicely works a half-volley on leg through wide mid-on with the wrists

5.5

Jarvis to Nicol, no run, lets this one go outside off as Jarvis locates a better line

5.6

Jarvis to Nicol, no run

Talor: "Okay, so i'm a Kiwi and i would love to see young players being bred onto the international scene, instead of starting players like Jacob Oram, Rob Nicol, and Andy Ellis- all are great players!- but bring in the likes of the Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, that's all that i can think of off the top of my head... But try get players like this prepared for tougher internationals when you get a series against Zimbabwe..." Boult and de Grandhomme have both been selected at some stage, bit harsh on Nicol and Ellis who aren't that old and have performed very well domestically

5.6

Jarvis to Nicol, no run

Talor: "Okay, so i'm a Kiwi and i would love to see young players being bred onto the international scene, instead of starting players like Jacob Oram, Rob Nicol, and Andy Ellis- all are great players!- but bring in the likes of the Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, that's all that i can think of off the top of my head... But try get players like this prepared for tougher internationals when you get a series against Zimbabwe..." Boult and de Grandhomme have both been selected at some stage, bit harsh on Nicol and Ellis who aren't that old and have performed very well domestically

6.1

SW Masakadza to Guptill, FOUR, rocks back and smashes a short ball past the diving cover fielders

6.2

SW Masakadza to Guptill, no run

6.3

SW Masakadza to Guptill, no run, this is a good length ball outside off and Guptill drives very nicely on the up but finds mid-off

6.4

SW Masakadza to Guptill, 3 runs, gentle 121kph ball on the pads and he works it away through the on side, Guptill is always looking for an extra run and steals one more on the throw

6.5

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, lovely ball at much more pace, 135kph outside off and moving away, Nicol gropes for it before missing

6.6

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, lets it go outside off

Few of you asking about speeds, generally the fastest is 135kph from the Zimbabwean bowlers, they tend to be in the 120s range

7.1

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, swings away outside off and he pushes at it without making contact

7.2

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, gets forward and defends nicely into the covers

7.3

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, he gets the front foot forward and defends down to mid-on

Nathan McCullum, the New Zealand 12th man, in the commentary box. What do you think of players doing commentary stints while they're still playing? We saw it recently in Australia as well with Steve O'Keefe and James Pattinson for the India T20Is

7.4

Jarvis to Guptill, FOUR, strays on the legs and Guptill happily flicks it away through square leg

7.5

Jarvis to Guptill, 1 run, full outside off and he gets a thick outside edge through the vacant gully region down to third man

7.6

Jarvis to Nicol, no run, comes forward and defends with a low body position to off

Ryan: "@Marcus: Gee, I hope there won't be any need for over reductions (keep away, rain.) The last thing we want is for that partnership of Duckworth and Lewis to ruin all the fun." I'm sure fans the world over share those sentiments. I certainly do!

7.6

Jarvis to Nicol, no run, comes forward and defends with a low body position to off

Ryan: "@Marcus: Gee, I hope there won't be any need for over reductions (keep away, rain.) The last thing we want is for that partnership of Duckworth and Lewis to ruin all the fun." I'm sure fans the world over share those sentiments. I certainly do!

8.1

SW Masakadza to Guptill, SIX, this is very full on off, he takes a step down the wicket and gives himself a touch of room before lofting Shingi over the cover boundary with ease

8.2

SW Masakadza to Guptill, no run

8.3

SW Masakadza to Guptill, FOUR, this is full on the pads and Guptill wristily flicks it through midwicket past the square leg fielder

8.4

SW Masakadza to Guptill, 1 run, goes back and nudges the gentle ball into the mid-on area

8.5

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, comes down the track and drags the ball from outside off down to mid-on using muscle rather than timing

8.6

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, 105kph slower ball outside off, he spots it early, waits on it and then defends

Daniel: "The 12th Man is doing commentary? Sounds like a good idea for a series of comedy albums! Oh hang on, missed the boat on that one!" Haha, nicely done

8.6

SW Masakadza to Nicol, no run, 105kph slower ball outside off, he spots it early, waits on it and then defends

Daniel: "The 12th Man is doing commentary? Sounds like a good idea for a series of comedy albums! Oh hang on, missed the boat on that one!" Haha, nicely done

9.1

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, has a big hack at a ball outside off and connects only with thin air

9.2

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, this time he is beaten by a peach, swings away outside off after drawing him forward into a tentative poke

9.3

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, gets a positive stride in outside off and defends nicely into the covers

9.4

Jarvis to Guptill, SIX, that is a massive blow, short on off and he rocks back and pulls it well over the square leg boundary into the hospitality tents

9.5

Jarvis to Guptill, no run, defends to off

9.6

Jarvis to Guptill, 1 run, this is on middle and Guptill riskily works it square off the centre stump

Alan Henderson: "I agree with Mark. The signs are good, well done to the present team and coaches. Great to hear Dion on comments, I loved the way he played. Just a thought on the fortunes of India and their present troubles. Perhaps we are finding out how good John Wright is as a coach. Hope NZ can hang onto him."

9.6

Jarvis to Guptill, 1 run, this is on middle and Guptill riskily works it square off the centre stump

Alan Henderson: "I agree with Mark. The signs are good, well done to the present team and coaches. Great to hear Dion on comments, I loved the way he played. Just a thought on the fortunes of India and their present troubles. Perhaps we are finding out how good John Wright is as a coach. Hope NZ can hang onto him."

10.1

Utseya to Guptill, 1 run, goes back and works down to long-on with the spin

10.2

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, this is outside off and he backs away to hit down to long-off

10.3

Utseya to Guptill, FOUR, too short so far from Utseya, punches a back foot cut through the covers and beats the sweeper

10.4

Utseya to Guptill, 1 run, gets forward and gets a leading edge which falls short of and then goes through the bowler as he tried to work to leg

10.5

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, full outside off and driven to the cover sweeper

10.6

Utseya to Guptill, 1 run, tossed up wider of off and he hits through cover point into the deep

Mr Hickenshire once more: "RE: N McCullum in the commentary box - This is a fresh initiative. The fans want to know as much about the inner workings of the team as possible, and hearing the point of view from a current player is fantastic. But like Mark, Nathan McCullum should not get too ahead of himself! Hehe."

Team and partnership 50 up at the start of the over, by the way

11.1

Chigumbura to Guptill, FOUR, and is greeted with a cover drive which sends the ball to the fence, Guptill brings up a quickfire fifty, has dominated the stand with Nicol

11.2

Chigumbura to Guptill, no run, gets forward to defend to point

11.3

Chigumbura to Guptill, 1 run, tucks one on the pads through fine leg

11.4

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, outside off, gets a bit of bounce and Nicol plays it off the splice of the bat to point

11.5

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, lets it go through outside off

11.6

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 wide, short ball outside off swinging well away, beats Nicol's flash at it

11.6

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 run, this is angled in from outside off, Nicol squeezes it past midwicket

12.1

Utseya to Nicol, no run, gets forward and drives back to the bowler

12.2

Utseya to Nicol, no run, full on the pads and clipped to midwicket

12.3

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, short outside off and cuts to the sweeper

12.4

Utseya to Guptill, no run, gets forward and punches to cover

12.5

Utseya to Guptill, 2 runs, goes back and punches to the left of mid-on who partially stops it, but they come back for a couple

12.6

Utseya to Guptill, 1 run, goes back and hits through to the cover sweeper

13.1

Chigumbura to Guptill, no run, on middle and tucked to midwicket

13.2

Chigumbura to Guptill, no run, comes forward and defends to point

13.3

Chigumbura to Guptill, no run, defends with the inner half to midwicket

13.4

Chigumbura to Guptill, no run, four dots in a row as he again tucks to midwicket

13.5

Chigumbura to Guptill, 1 run, drives to cover and sets off immediately, the throw comes in and Guptill was gone by miles if the throw had hit

13.6

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 wide, down leg and Nicol misses the attempted scoop

13.6

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 run, drops it down at his feet, they rush through and Guptill beats the bowlers' attempted flick onto the stumps

14.1

Utseya to Nicol, no run, goes back and punches down the wicket

14.2

Utseya to Nicol, 2 runs, short on the stumps, leans back and pulls through wide mid-on

14.3

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, gets forward and tucks through midwicket

14.4

Utseya to Guptill, 2 runs, nicely driven to the left of long-off who dives to prevent four

14.5

Utseya to Guptill, no run, hits firmly to cover who dives to intercept

14.6

Utseya to Guptill, no run

Bowling Powerplay taken, mandatory Powerplay finished after 10 overs

15.1

Chigumbura to Nicol, SIX, big hit by Nicol, on the pads and he picks it up and helps it over square leg, nearly goes into the rugby ground over the fence

Delay as they look for the ball

15.2

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, lets it go outside off

15.3

Chigumbura to Nicol, FOUR, again on the pads and he comes down the wicket before working fine past the fielder on the ring

15.4

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, very wide of off and he lets it go, almost called

15.5

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 run, chops to point who has a needless shy at the non-striker's end and they get a run on the overthrow

15.6

Chigumbura to Guptill, no run, angling into the stumps and squeezed to backward point

On comes Ray Price

16.1

Price to Nicol, 1 run, goes back and clips to long-on

16.2

Price to Guptill, 1 run, goes back and this time the punch heads down to long-off

16.3

Price to Nicol, no run, on leg and worked to square leg

16.4

Price to Nicol, 3 runs, poor short ball down leg and Nicol helps it past fine leg in the circle

16.5

Price to Guptill, 1 run, again on the pads and Guptill flicks into the deep

16.6

Price to Nicol, no run, defends to mid-on

17.1

Chigumbura to Guptill, FOUR, short ball on off and Guptill swings cleanly towards midwicket

17.2

Chigumbura to Guptill, no run, forward and plays it down to third man who is up

17.3

Chigumbura to Guptill, 1 run, outside off and Guptill flashes, gets a thick edge through to deep backward point running around

17.4

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, forward and defends to point

17.5

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, very short and wide outside off and Nicol absolutely mullers the cut but finds cover

17.6

Chigumbura to Nicol, 2 runs, outside off and he flashes a cut airily past a diving point to bring up the team and partnership 100 in 18 overs

New Zealand coasting at the drinks break after an initially promising start by Zimbabwe. If they don't break through soon they could be staring at a chase of 300+.

17.6

Chigumbura to Nicol, 2 runs, outside off and he flashes a cut airily past a diving point to bring up the team and partnership 100 in 18 overs

New Zealand coasting at the drinks break after an initially promising start by Zimbabwe. If they don't break through soon they could be staring at a chase of 300+.

18.1

Price to Guptill, no run

18.2

Price to Guptill, 1 run, well a real muck-up by batsmen and fielders there, tucked to mid-on who fumbles, Guptill sets off and then stops, more hesitation with Nicol who is struggling as the throw goes into Taibu, who fumbles badly and takes the bails off without the ball

18.3

Price to Nicol, no run

18.4

Price to Nicol, no run

18.5

Price to Nicol, 1 run

18.6

Price to Guptill, no run, punched back to the bowler on the dive in his follow-through

19.1

Chigumbura to Nicol, FOUR, slaps a short ball outside off through point, the fielders look on forlornly as it speeds off faster than a Formula 1 car

19.2

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, this time Nicol picks out backward point, he is a fan of the cut but it brings him no reward this time

19.3

Chigumbura to Nicol, FOUR, Zimbabwe under the pump here as Elton serves up a friendly half-volley on middle, Nicol crunches it back past the bowler along the ground

19.4

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 run, goes back and slaps into the deep at backward point

19.5

Chigumbura to Guptill, 1 run

19.6

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 run, slashes another short ball away through the covers, expensive over comes to an end

Brendan Taylor's birthday today, incidentally. Not getting the present he would have wanted so far

20.1

Price to Nicol, no run, tossed up on the stumps and played back to Price

20.2

Price to Nicol, 1 run, goes back and flicks nicely through the leg side

20.3

Price to Guptill, 1 run, hangs back and plays down to long-on

20.4

Price to Nicol, 2 runs, punched through the covers and the placement allows them to return

20.5

Price to Nicol, 1 run, plays it softly into the off side and sets off

Price over the wicket now, he is a left-armer so bowling a negative line now

20.6

Price to Guptill, no run, Guptill gets forward and defends down

Ben: "How good is Martin Guptill at the moment? Averaging 96 in all forms this year. 7 T20s, 1 test innings and 2 ODIs. Super stuff!"

20.6

Price to Guptill, no run, Guptill gets forward and defends down

Ben: "How good is Martin Guptill at the moment? Averaging 96 in all forms this year. 7 T20s, 1 test innings and 2 ODIs. Super stuff!"

21.1

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 wide, well down leg, Nicol misses the heave and overbalances but only after Taibu fluffs the take and any chance of a stumping

21.1

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run

21.2

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, gets forward and punches to cover, surprised Elton wasn't taken off after the expensive last over

21.3

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 run, brings up his fifty with a push to long-on, was iffy early on before increasing in confidence alongside Guptill

21.4

Chigumbura to Guptill, no run, tries the cute dab to third man but it bounces more than he thought and beats the bat

21.5

Chigumbura to Guptill, 1 run, gets forward and opens the face to glide down to third man

21.6

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, goes back and punches to off but can't beat the in-field

Hamilton Masakadza into the attack, seems to be used whenever Zimbabwe need a choke on the run flow

22.1

H Masakadza to Guptill, 2 runs, flicks a full ball to long-on and they race back

22.2

H Masakadza to Guptill, FOUR, gentle half-tracker at 111kph and he hammers the ball to the midwicket fence

22.3

H Masakadza to Guptill, no run, better line and length as he comes forward to defend on off stump

22.4

H Masakadza to Guptill, 1 run, full outside off and james it through to the cover sweeper

22.5

H Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run, singles being taken at will here, goes back and pats it down to long-off

22.6

H Masakadza to Guptill, 1 run, punched past the diving Hamilton in his follow-through down to long-on

23.1

Price to Guptill, no run, drives inside out to mid-off, Price around the wicket

23.2

Price to Guptill, no run, goes back and pulls straight back to Price

23.3

Price to Guptill, no run, tries to whip it to leg but can't beat mid-on off the back foot

23.4

Price to Guptill, OUT, Guptill has thrown it away again, he said he was grumpy after getting out on 70 in the previous game, he'll be more grumpy here after pulling a half-tracker on middle into the hands of Shingi who took a good running catch on the fence

MJ Guptill c SW Masakadza b Price 77 (93m 80b 8x4 2x6) SR: 96.25

Well well, this is a surprise. Jacob Oram comes in at 3

23.5

Price to Nicol, 1 run, works it into the deep on the leg side

Ray Price's first-ever ODI wicket against New Zealand

23.6

Price to Oram, no run, defends his first ball solidly down the wicket

Batting Powerplay taken, Baz springing a few surprises as skipper

Many comments coming through about Ben's comments on Guptill. Consensus seems to be that he has performed only against the lesser teams and has not done as well against the heavyweights

24.1

Utseya to Nicol, no run, tucks to square leg

24.2

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, plays to mid-on who fumbles during the slide, bowler has to chase and collect

24.3

Utseya to Oram, 1 run, on off and punched to the right of wide mid-off

24.4

Utseya to Nicol, no run, squeezes it back to the bowler off the back foot

24.5

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, punched to long-on

24.6

Utseya to Oram, no run, hits back down the pitch to the bowler

25.1

Price to Nicol, no run, tucked to midwicket, Oram sets off and has to turn back in a jiffy

25.2

Price to Nicol, FOUR, top-edges the sweep and a swirling wind carries it all the way to the fine leg fence on the bounce

25.3

Price to Nicol, 1 run, goes back and squeezes it off the pads through square leg

25.4

Price to Oram, 1 run, Oram goes back and works through midwicket

25.5

Price to Nicol, no run, full on middle and drives down the pitch, Price throws his body across to stop the ball from passing

25.6

Price to Nicol, no run, down leg, misses the flick and hit on the pad

26.1

Utseya to Oram, SIX, comes down the wicket to a ball outside off, uses his enormous reach to strike a towering blow over the sightscreen, took one hand off the bat as he played the shot

26.2

Utseya to Oram, no run, goes for a repeat but this is down leg, gives some room and misses the pull, goes between body and stumps

26.3

Utseya to Oram, 1 run

26.4

Utseya to Nicol, no run

26.5

Utseya to Nicol, no run, worked to wide mid-on who prevents the single

26.6

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, tucked to fine leg and Oram rushes through to beat the throw home

27.1

Price to Nicol, no run, comes down and defends back to Price

27.2

Price to Nicol, 1 run, this time goes back and plays against the turn to long-on to bring up New Zealand's 150

27.3

Price to Oram, FOUR, Oram backs away to a half-volley on middle and slices it to Jarvis at third man on the bounce but it is awkward and slips through him

27.4

Price to Oram, SIX, another muscular blow, this is what he was sent in to do, comes down the track and swings it high over the midwicket boundary

27.5

Price to Oram, 2 runs, chips this through mid-on and Nicol urges Oram to come back

27.6

Price to Oram, 1 run, plays down to long-off to end a productive over for New Zealand in the Batting Powerplay

Back comes Shingi

28.1

SW Masakadza to Oram, FOUR, short on leg and Oram pulls past fine leg who is up in the circle

28.2

SW Masakadza to Oram, FOUR, this Oram promotion is working a treat for the home side, full on the stumps, back away and jams it out past the bowler and all the way down to the sightscreen

28.3

SW Masakadza to Oram, FOUR, Oram pumping Zimbabwe all around the park, his fans will be delighted (Andrew Scott?), full outside off and lofts over the covers to the fence

28.4

SW Masakadza to Oram, no run, gets a slower ball in at 105kph outside off and beats the attempted slog to leg

28.5

SW Masakadza to Oram, no run, much better from Shingi, in the blockhole and digs it out down the pitch

28.6

SW Masakadza to Oram, 1 run, in the blockhole and Oram jams it out between the fielders patrolling the point region

44 runs for New Zealand in the Batting Powerplay with no wickets lost

29.1

Price to Oram, SIX, Oram has hit it out of the ground, Price fires it in on middle and Oram jumps down the wicket in a flash before lofting with a nice extension of the arms high and handsomely over long-on

29.2

Price to Oram, 1 run, totally mistimes this heave and it plops in no-man's land between conventional and deep mid-on

29.3

Price to Nicol, 1 run

29.4

Price to Oram, 1 wide, fired in well down leg

29.4

Price to Oram, 2 runs, backs away and slices the cut through point

29.5

Price to Oram, 1 run, comes down the track again and drives along the ground to cow corner

29.6

Price to Nicol, 1 run, full outside off and driven to long-off

30.1

H Masakadza to Nicol, 2 runs, Hamilton into the attack, cut away outside off

30.2

H Masakadza to Nicol, no run, outside off and chops the drive down into the pitch before it settles in the keeper's gloves

30.3

H Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run, short ball on the stumps and he pulls down to long-on

30.4

H Masakadza to Oram, 1 run, Chigumbura bungles an opportunity, Oram had a big slog and skied it high in the air, Elton looks at Taibu for some reason when the ball is settling near mid-off, by the time Elton goes for it the ball has landed and beaten his despairing dive

30.5

H Masakadza to Nicol, no run, punched to cover

30.6

H Masakadza to Nicol, no run

31.1

Price to Oram, FOUR, on leg and slog-sweeps to the square leg boundary to bring up a rapid fifty from only 23 balls, just behind the man who could have caught him in the last over on the list of fastest ODI fifties, Oram can easily get a century here if he keeps going

31.2

Price to Oram, 1 run, clubs another short ball down to long-on

31.3

Price to Nicol, 1 run, Nicol has done well to tick over the strike amidst the carnage, outside off and just strokes it to long-off

31.4

Price to Oram, SIX, fourth six for Oram as he again comes down the wicket and hoists it into the stands at wide long-on, Price being taken apart here

31.5

Price to Oram, 1 run, goes back and cuts to deep point

31.6

Price to Nicol, no run, full on middle and played back to Price

32.1

H Masakadza to Oram, 1 run, takes one hand off the bat as he slugs a short ball outside off to cow corner

32.2

H Masakadza to Nicol, no run, punched to mid-on who tumbles to collect

32.3

H Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run, slower ball outside off and Nicol drags it through midwicket

32.4

H Masakadza to Oram, OUT, Chakabva does what Chigumbura couldn't and takes a simple catch running in from the long-on boundary as Oram skied the long hop outside off high, but he should take a bow for a devastating knock which has completely overwhelmed Zimbabwe

JDP Oram c Chakabva b H Masakadza 59 (35m 28b 5x4 4x6) SR: 210.71

32.5

H Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run, drives to long-off

32.6

H Masakadza to McCullum, 1 bye, outside off and he leaves it alone, Taibu standing up takes it on the end of the finger and they sneak a bye as the ball rolls away

Price still bowling with his tormentor Oram back in the hut

33.1

Price to McCullum, no run, plays to cover

33.2

Price to McCullum, 1 run, short ball on the stumps and pulled one bounce to the midwicket sweeper

33.3

Price to Nicol, no run, down leg and turned straight to fine leg

33.4

Price to Nicol, 2 runs, goes back and cuts a good length ball outside off through point

33.5

Price to Nicol, 1 run, full on the pads and worked to long-on

33.6

Price to McCullum, no run, McCullum crouches to defend on leg

34.1

H Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run, full outside off and punched to long-off

34.2

H Masakadza to McCullum, 1 run, drives to deepish mid-off, wants to come back but the throw is good

34.3

H Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run, rolls the fingers on it but Nicol works it past the bowler to long-off

34.4

H Masakadza to McCullum, 1 run, good ball on middle but easily punched to long-on

34.5

H Masakadza to Nicol, 2 runs, cuts away a short ball, cover sweeper comes round but can't stop the batsmen taking another run

34.6

H Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run, slight leading edge as the attempted flick to leg rolls to long-off

35.1

Price to Nicol, 1 run, dabbed between the cover and point fielders in the circle

35.2

Price to McCullum, no run, digs out a full ball back to the bowler

35.3

Price to McCullum, no run, again digs it out down the pitch

35.4

Price to McCullum, no run, turns a full ball to midwicket

35.5

Price to McCullum, 1 run, eases a full ball outside off into the deep

35.6

Price to Nicol, 1 run, tucked through square leg to end an expensive day for Price with the ball

An interesting point from Rob: "This is a very impressive performance from New Zealand considering how inexperienced they are compared to the Zimbabweans who should have a huge advantage considerng they have 7 players who have played 100 ODI's (Masakadza, Matsikenyeri, Taylor, Taibu, Chigumbura, Utseya, Price) while New Zealand only have 3 (McCullum, Oram, Mills)."

The Zimbabweans could do with a drink after being completely dismantled by Jacob Oram who was surprisingly promoted to 3. The move paid off and New Zealand are heading for at least 310, if not more.

35.6

Price to Nicol, 1 run, tucked through square leg to end an expensive day for Price with the ball

An interesting point from Rob: "This is a very impressive performance from New Zealand considering how inexperienced they are compared to the Zimbabweans who should have a huge advantage considerng they have 7 players who have played 100 ODI's (Masakadza, Matsikenyeri, Taylor, Taibu, Chigumbura, Utseya, Price) while New Zealand only have 3 (McCullum, Oram, Mills)."

The Zimbabweans could do with a drink after being completely dismantled by Jacob Oram who was surprisingly promoted to 3. The move paid off and New Zealand are heading for at least 310, if not more.

36.1

H Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run

36.2

H Masakadza to McCullum, 1 run, Zimbabwe crumbling in the field as Jarvis DROPS a sitter, McCullum went back and sliced a cut straight to point. Jarvis fluffs it and is immediately moved to short fine leg by an irate skipper!

36.3

H Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run, full outside off and drives to long-off

36.4

H Masakadza to McCullum, no run, full on middle and worked to mid-on, now up in the circle

36.5

H Masakadza to McCullum, FOUR, easy half-tracker down the leg side and McCullum helps it over fine leg and down to the fence

36.6

H Masakadza to McCullum, SIX, clubba-dubba-doo is what Fred Flintstone would have said after seeing this shot if he'd grown up in a cricketing family, filthy long hop on middle and McCullum swipes it over midwicket

Elton back on

37.1

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 run, full on off and smacked back along the ground at Elton, who sticks a foot out and stops a potential boundary

37.2

Chigumbura to McCullum, 1 wide, horrible ball down leg and Taibu dives to collect

37.2

Chigumbura to McCullum, 1 run, outside off and driven towards mid-off

37.3

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, played down to mid-off, thoughts of a run but Baz quickly sends Nicol back into his crease

37.4

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, jams out a full ball on middle to midwicket

37.5

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 leg bye, loud shout for lbw as Nicol moves across and tries to whip to leg, ball rolls away towards third man, hit Nicol outside off and high

37.6

Chigumbura to McCullum, 2 runs, lofts a full ball outside off over cover

Luke replies to Rob: "Rob has a point but it's not a particularly well thought out one (and no need for a NZ'der to do so) ... I'm not sure NZ FC cricket have closed down for a season, or are struggling - hard - to keep people playing. Almost all those who have experience should not have been playing when they were...Ray is the only exception, Sibanda made his debut 10 years ago (roughly) but his breakthrough season was last year. They're performing well because they have a nuturing FC system to develop in."

37.6

Chigumbura to McCullum, 2 runs, lofts a full ball outside off over cover

Luke replies to Rob: "Rob has a point but it's not a particularly well thought out one (and no need for a NZ'der to do so) ... I'm not sure NZ FC cricket have closed down for a season, or are struggling - hard - to keep people playing. Almost all those who have experience should not have been playing when they were...Ray is the only exception, Sibanda made his debut 10 years ago (roughly) but his breakthrough season was last year. They're performing well because they have a nuturing FC system to develop in."

37.6

Chigumbura to McCullum, 2 runs, lofts a full ball outside off over cover

Luke replies to Rob: "Rob has a point but it's not a particularly well thought out one (and no need for a NZ'der to do so) ... I'm not sure NZ FC cricket have closed down for a season, or are struggling - hard - to keep people playing. Almost all those who have experience should not have been playing when they were...Ray is the only exception, Sibanda made his debut 10 years ago (roughly) but his breakthrough season was last year. They're performing well because they have a nuturing FC system to develop in."

37.6

Chigumbura to McCullum, 2 runs, lofts a full ball outside off over cover

Luke replies to Rob: "Rob has a point but it's not a particularly well thought out one (and no need for a NZ'der to do so) ... I'm not sure NZ FC cricket have closed down for a season, or are struggling - hard - to keep people playing. Almost all those who have experience should not have been playing when they were...Ray is the only exception, Sibanda made his debut 10 years ago (roughly) but his breakthrough season was last year. They're performing well because they have a nuturing FC system to develop in."

37.6

Chigumbura to McCullum, 2 runs, lofts a full ball outside off over cover

Luke replies to Rob: "Rob has a point but it's not a particularly well thought out one (and no need for a NZ'der to do so) ... I'm not sure NZ FC cricket have closed down for a season, or are struggling - hard - to keep people playing. Almost all those who have experience should not have been playing when they were...Ray is the only exception, Sibanda made his debut 10 years ago (roughly) but his breakthrough season was last year. They're performing well because they have a nuturing FC system to develop in."

38.1

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run

38.2

Utseya to McCullum, 2 runs, gets down on a knee and lofts this to wide long-on

38.3

Utseya to McCullum, OUT, this is outside off and McCullum gets down again and tries to send it over midwicket but finds Shingi well inside the boundary

BB McCullum c SW Masakadza b Utseya 20 (23m 18b 1x4 1x6) SR: 111.11

38.4

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, played to long-on

38.5

Utseya to Williamson, no run, Kane goes back and cuts his first ball to point

38.6

Utseya to Williamson, no run, goes back and plays this off middle to the bowler

39.1

Chigumbura to Nicol, 1 run, full on off and punched to long-on

39.2

Chigumbura to Williamson, no run, outside off and plays to point

39.3

Chigumbura to Williamson, 1 run, moves well across his stumps a la Daniel Vettori, and flicks it off middle to fine leg

39.4

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, hangs back and plays down to mid-off

39.5

Chigumbura to Nicol, SIX, timed very well, picks this up off the pads and drop-kicks it over the square leg fence with very little power behind it

39.6

Chigumbura to Nicol, no run, plays back to Elton from middle and off

40.1

Utseya to Williamson, 2 runs, rocks back and plays through the covers

40.2

Utseya to Williamson, 1 run, works this to long-on after coming down the pitch

40.3

Utseya to Nicol, 2 runs, well run, played down to long-off and Kane scampers through

40.4

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, moves to 94 with a simple flick to long-on

40.5

Utseya to Williamson, no run, wristed from outside off to midwicket

40.6

Utseya to Williamson, OUT, Williamson tried to loft this over long-on after coming down but ends up picking out the fielder, slight stemming of the runs by Zimbabwe as they chip away

KS Williamson c H Masakadza b Utseya 4 (7m 8b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50.00

41.1

Jarvis to Latham, 1 run, goes back and gets off the mark with a punch through the covers

41.2

Jarvis to Nicol, 1 run, full outside off and driven in the air through Jarvis who may have got a hand to it, rolls to long-off

41.3

Jarvis to Latham, no run, wide of off and Latham flashes at it without laying bat on ball

41.4

Jarvis to Latham, no run, again misses outside off, this was fuller and invited the drive, Latham again unable to connect

41.5

Jarvis to Latham, no run, comes down the wicket and again chases a wide one outside off without making contact

41.6

Jarvis to Latham, no run, outside off and Latham checks the drive straight to backward point to end a good over for the visitors, only two from it

42.1

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, comes down the track and swings it to deep midwicket

42.2

Utseya to Latham, 1 run, goes back and works into the leg side

42.3

Utseya to Nicol, FOUR, 2nd ODI hundred for Rob Nicol, rocks back and pulls to midwicket where the fielder makes a poor attempt to cut it off, well-paced innings from the ex-King's man!

42.4

Utseya to Nicol, FOUR, gets another boundary as he cuts it past a diving third man on the edge of the circle

42.5

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, works this to the leg side

42.6

Utseya to Latham, 1 run, sweeps from outside off to deep square leg

Max wants to let loose on us: "Alright, my turn for a rant about New Zealand's selections. Andrew Ellis is the most bizzare selection I've seen, 30 year old bits and pieces player. I love Latham's selection, Our first class talent depth is looking endless. However, I would like to see the grooming of a young allrounder, Harry Boam looks like a good talent, averages in the mid 30s batting in FC and List A, hasn't quite mastered bowling, but I saw him in the U19 world cup and he did impress!"

42.6

Utseya to Latham, 1 run, sweeps from outside off to deep square leg

Max wants to let loose on us: "Alright, my turn for a rant about New Zealand's selections. Andrew Ellis is the most bizzare selection I've seen, 30 year old bits and pieces player. I love Latham's selection, Our first class talent depth is looking endless. However, I would like to see the grooming of a young allrounder, Harry Boam looks like a good talent, averages in the mid 30s batting in FC and List A, hasn't quite mastered bowling, but I saw him in the U19 world cup and he did impress!"

43.1

Jarvis to Latham, no run, again flails at a wide ball outside off, misses once more

43.2

Jarvis to Latham, FOUR, stayed back and nicely guided this through backward point, timed so nicely that third man can't come round and cut it off

43.3

Jarvis to Latham, 1 run, comes forward and again opens the face on the drive to get it behind point

43.4

Jarvis to Nicol, 1 run, full outside off and chips it over the in-field

43.5

Jarvis to Latham, no run, half-volley outside off and Latham can't capitalise, finds cover with an aesthetically pleasing drive

43.6

Jarvis to Latham, 1 run, chops this to the right of cover

Ben's turn, but he reserves any anger for Max: "Max clearly doesn't know what he is on about. As a Wellington supporter I'm not even sure Boam should be in that team. Elliott, Woodcock and Franklin are all better all rounders, Elliott & Woodcock unlucky as both have played reasonably well at ODI level. Ellis, on the other hand, has looked great domestically, and didn't he watch the first ODI? He looked like he belonged."

43.6

Jarvis to Latham, 1 run, chops this to the right of cover

Ben's turn, but he reserves any anger for Max: "Max clearly doesn't know what he is on about. As a Wellington supporter I'm not even sure Boam should be in that team. Elliott, Woodcock and Franklin are all better all rounders, Elliott & Woodcock unlucky as both have played reasonably well at ODI level. Ellis, on the other hand, has looked great domestically, and didn't he watch the first ODI? He looked like he belonged."

44.1

Utseya to Latham, no run

44.2

Utseya to Latham, 1 run, digs it out to long-off

44.3

Utseya to Nicol, no run, well down leg and Nicol misses out on the pull as it hits the pad

44.4

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, driven along the ground to long-off

44.5

Utseya to Latham, 1 run, drags this to square leg from off stump

44.6

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, worked into the leg side

The rabid dogs among you have been let loose! Not one vote of support for Max, but plenty of brickbats. Sentiment definitely with Ben's point of view

44.6

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, worked into the leg side

The rabid dogs among you have been let loose! Not one vote of support for Max, but plenty of brickbats. Sentiment definitely with Ben's point of view

45.1

Jarvis to Nicol, 1 run

45.2

Jarvis to Latham, 3 runs, flicked into the deep and the fielder runs round at square leg, never looked like three but they somehow scamper back

45.3

Jarvis to Nicol, FOUR, gets down on one knee and sweeps a full toss on off through square leg

45.4

Jarvis to Nicol, no run, has a big swing and misses

45.5

Jarvis to Nicol, no run, Nicol digs it out but hits Latham on the knee and the bowler is able to quickly collect the rebound

45.6

Jarvis to Nicol, SIX, horrendous full bunger which is slugged away near the scaffolding where the television cameras are perched high up at midwicket, also brings up the 300 for New Zealand, they will be wanting 350

Max is back: "As a cantabrian, and a member of his christchurch club it's difficult for me to say what i said about Ellis, but the fact is that he is 30 years old with only 1 domestic century after all these years. And yes, wellington does have alot of impressive allrounders, but we need to groom a young one, franklin and elliott have both had many chances."

Can Shingi stop the onslaught?

45.6

Jarvis to Nicol, SIX, horrendous full bunger which is slugged away near the scaffolding where the television cameras are perched high up at midwicket, also brings up the 300 for New Zealand, they will be wanting 350

Max is back: "As a cantabrian, and a member of his christchurch club it's difficult for me to say what i said about Ellis, but the fact is that he is 30 years old with only 1 domestic century after all these years. And yes, wellington does have alot of impressive allrounders, but we need to groom a young one, franklin and elliott have both had many chances."

Can Shingi stop the onslaught?

46.1

SW Masakadza to Latham, 1 run, full toss on leg, Latham gets a leading edge which skies up to Matsikenyeri at point, no way he could spill it, but he somehow DROPS it, terrible fielding from Zimbabwe today

46.2

SW Masakadza to Nicol, SIX, and to add insult to injury, Shingi now gets creamed over the long-off boundary by Nicol

46.3

SW Masakadza to Nicol, 1 wide, this is a real shambles as he fires in a terrible ball well wide of off

46.3

SW Masakadza to Nicol, 1 wide, brings the line closer to the stumps but not close enough, Shingi picking up the sloppiness virus infecting his team-mates

46.3

SW Masakadza to Nicol, 1 run, digs it out down to long-on

46.4

SW Masakadza to Latham, no run, moves across the stumps, gets outside the line and gloves it on the bounce to Taibu, Shingi decides to waste a review thinking it hit the pad but the ball was miles away, this over going from bad to worse

46.5

SW Masakadza to Latham, SIX, and even worse now as Latham swings one over the cow corner boundary and the leap of the desperate fielder

46.6

SW Masakadza to Latham, 2 runs, outside off and cover dives forward but deflects it away and they grab a couple

Pathetic cricket from Zimbabwe in that over, dropped catch, two sixes, two wides, bad fielding, you name it, they mucked it up in that over

47.1

Jarvis to Nicol, FOUR, full on middle and Nicol gets under it and smacks it to the left of a diving long-on

47.2

Jarvis to Nicol, SIX, half-volley on middle and off and Nicol swings it way back over square leg, Zimbabwe have raised the white flag here and are receiving a right pummelling

47.3

Jarvis to Nicol, 3 runs, drives through cover and another misfield, how poor can the fielding get?

47.4

Jarvis to Latham, FOUR, moves across the stumps, outside the line and he paddles it between the keeper and fine leg

47.5

Jarvis to Latham, FOUR, dances down the track and plays this in pinpoint fashion through the covers

47.6

Jarvis to Latham, FOUR, and now the luck well against Zimbabwe, 25 off the over, Latham backed away and snicked the drive through the slips

48.1

Utseya to Nicol, 1 run, digs a full ball out to long-off, New Zealand might want 370 now, 350 is looking easy

48.2

Utseya to Latham, 2 runs, sweeps it through midwicket and Waller misfields in the deep to let them pick up another run

48.3

Utseya to Latham, 1 run, full toss on middle and he sweeps it to deep backward square

48.4

Utseya to Nicol, SIX, lofted over the top of the long-on fielder after he charged down the track, 350 up for New Zealand

48.5

Utseya to Nicol, OUT, finally Zimbabwe take a catch as Nicol swings another full ball towards deep midwicket, Shingi holds on to end a very controlled innings by Nicol, he is clapped off by the fielding side

RJ Nicol c SW Masakadza b Utseya 146 (198m 134b 10x4 6x6) SR: 108.95

48.6

Utseya to Latham, SIX, Nicol might have departed but Latham continues the run feast, outside off and he gets down to slog sweep it with considerable elevation over midwicket

49.1

SW Masakadza to Brownlie, 1 run, Brownlie cracks his first ball into the deep on the off side

49.2

SW Masakadza to Latham, FOUR, walks across the stumps and he flicks the slower ball on off over the top of fine leg, Price chases in vain

49.3

SW Masakadza to Latham, OUT, he misses out on a maiden ODI fifty but a sparky knock from Latham, he backed away again and tried to hit through the covers, Shingi pitched it full and beat the drive to knock the stumps over

TWM Latham b SW Masakadza 48 (41m 28b 5x4 2x6) SR: 171.42

Mark writes in with a hint of triumphalism: "I think my point at the start of this innings is being proved. You can only play what is in front of you and NZ are displaying a self-belief and ruthlessness that has long been absent. A year ago I would have given Zimbabwe a 50/50 chance of beating NZ. Unfortunately for them they are striking a team that seems to be on the rise. The big test of Zimbabwes character will be how they go batting. I really hope they have the fortitude to put in a good showing, even if in a losing cause, rather than just capitulate."

49.4

SW Masakadza to Ellis, 1 run, full outside off and Ellis digs it out to the cover sweeper

49.5

SW Masakadza to Brownlie, 1 run, full on the stumps and Brownlie muscles it into the leg side

49.6

SW Masakadza to Ellis, SIX, entirely appropriate for the innings to end with a big blow over cow corner, Ellis creamed it, New Zealand end up on 372 which should prove far too good for Zimbabwe who have been hapless so far today

This match is over as a contest after New Zealand absolutely destroyed and decimated a completely off-colour Zimbabwe. It's amazing to think they started the innings with two maidens! Guptill set the tone early before Oram pulverised the bowling, then it was Nicol's turn to take over with some assistance from Latham as the death overs saw plundering and pillaging that the Somalian pirates would be proud of. Zimbabwe now have to make a score more than twice their highest total on this tour if they are to somehow pull off a miracle. Join us at 3.40pm to see whether the tourists can leave Whangarei with at least something to be proud of.