Zimbabwe v New Zealand, 2015-16

One-day internationals (3): Zimbabwe 1, New Zealand 2 Twenty international (1): Zimbabwe 0, New Zealand 1
After warming up with some strong displays against India - including a share of the Twenty20 games - Zimbabwe harboured hopes of a first one-day series victory over a Test-playing nation other than Bangladesh for more than 14 years. New Zealand were lacking Brendon McCullum, who was given the tour off, as well as their usual new-ball pair of Trent Boult (back trouble) and Tim Southee (rested); they also lost Ross Taylor to a groin injury after the second one-dayer. And the alarm bells were ringing when Zimbabwe chased down 304 to win the first 50-over game, thanks to a superb maiden one-day century from Craig Ervine.

After that, though, Zimbabwe's old frailties resurfaced. Although Hamilton Masakadza and Chamu Chibhabha formed a useful opening partnership, the middle order was less cohesive, the bowling unpenetrative, and the fielding fallible. In the second ODI, Zimbabwe were 146 for eight before a determined century from Sikandar Raza dragged them to a reasonable total - but New Zealand's openers knocked off their target as Martin Guptill and Tom Latham both scored unbeaten hundreds. Then, after another bright start to their chase in the decider, Zimbabwe fell away - a disappointment after a better display of out-cricket had restricted New Zealand to 273. The solitary Twenty20 game was one-sided. Kane Williamson cut an impressive figure standing in as New Zealand's captain, making 97 and 90 in his two one-day innings.