Nicol leads New Zealand to thumping win

Feb 06, 2012

New Zealand started off slowly, before Martin Guptill slowly shifted through the gears•AFP

... but Zimbabwe would not have anticipated the carnage that was to ensue courtesy Jacob Oram who plundered 59 off 28 balls from No. 3•Getty Images

The game was over as a contest before Zimbabwe began batting, and Kyle Mills removed any lingering doubts with two early strikes•Getty Images

Tatenda Taibu showed resistance with a half-century, and took Zimbabwe past 200 through his association with Elton Chigumbura•Getty Images

Guptill opened up after the slow start to set New Zealand on their way ...•AFP

In Oram's company, Rob Nicol flourished, and went on to plunder 146 off 134 balls•Getty Images

The action wasn't riveting enough to capture Ross Taylor's attention•Getty Images

Tarun Nethula couldn't strike on debut, but New Zealand completed a comfortable win•Getty Images

Zimbabwe didn't help their chances by fluffing several opportunities on the field, as New Zealand finished with 372 for 6•Getty Images

Jacob Oram continued to have a good game, striking telling blows with his seamers as Zimbabwe slumped•Getty Images