New Zealand v Zimbabwe, 2011-12
Wisden's review of the first Twenty20 International, New Zealand v Zimbabwe, 2011-12
Andrew Alderson
15-Apr-2013
At Auckland, February 11, 2012 (floodlit). First Twenty20 international: New Zealand won by seven wickets. Zimbabwe 159-8 (20 overs) (H. Masakadza 53, E. Chigumbura 48; M. D. Bates 3-31); New Zealand 160-3 (16.5 overs) (M. J. Guptill 91*, K. S. Williamson 48). Twenty20 international debuts: M. D. Bates, C. de Grandhomme, R. M. Hira (NewZealand); K. O. Meth (Zimbabwe).
Guptill's purple patch continued with his fifth consecutive international half-century: some neat straight shots were the highlight as he eased New Zealand to victory with 19 balls to spare. Spinner Roneel Hira and paceman Michael Bates - left-armers both - made satisfactory debuts: Bates finished with three wickets, while Hira had no qualms about floating the ball up. Zimbabwe demonstrated some of the competitive spirit that makes them a force at home - Hamilton Masakadza's 53 came from 36 balls, while Chigumbura's 24-ball 48 included four sixes - but were again let down by sloppy fielding.
Man of the Match: M. J. Guptill.