More work for us to do now - Astle

Nathan Astle was in no doubt about the significance of New Zealand's six-wicket win over Zimbabwe, although he insisted that his team still had little margin for error despite his match-winning century.

The win lifted New Zealand into fourth place in the Super Six table, with games against the top two sides Australia and India to come.

"It was a big game," Astle said. "We knew we had to win two out of the three. We were probably chasing a little more than we would have liked in the end, but I just thought if it was a good wicket and the longer I stayed in there, it would get better if we could get a partnership going. Cairnsy provided that partnership and it worked out nicely."

Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming, who himself hit a fluent 46, said: "In the end it was comfortable but at half-time it was 50-50. I was disappointed with the way we finished. Sixty from three overs is not ideal and we have got work on that."

On his own form he added: "It is going well. I would have liked to score a few more whilst batting so well but hopefully it will continue."

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak, who had kept his side in the game with an unbeaten 72, conceded that they had been second best on the day.

"We had a bit of a bad start," he admitted. "We started slowly and lost a few wickets. We fought back an got a total that we tried to defend but we were probably 30 runs shy. In the end we didn't have enough runs on the scoreboard. We were beaten by the better team on the day."