†NEW ZEALAND v ZIMBABWE

At Hyderabad, India, October 10. New Zealand won by 3 runs. Toss: Zimbabwe. An innings of great character, 143 from 138 balls, by Houghton, Zimbabwe's wicket-keeper-batsman, gave New Zealand a scare in their opening match of the tournament. Adding 117 with Butchart - a record for the eighth wicket in one-day internationals - Houghton had taken his side to within 22 of their target when he was out in the 47th over, having hit three sixes and thirteen fours. Zimbabwe wanted 6 from the final over, but Butchart was run out off the fourth ball. New Zealand had surprisingly opened their batting with Snedden, their seam bowler, who hit 64 off 97 balls, while Martin Crowe batted elegantly as they put on 84. Everything, however, paled when set alongside Houghton's heroic attempt to lift Zimbabwe from 104 for seven to within a gasp of history.

Man of the Match: D. L. Houghton.