Videocon Triangular Series, 2005-06

At Harare, August 31, 2005. New Zealand won by 27 runs. New Zealand 5 pts, Zimbabwe 1 pt. Toss: New Zealand. One-day international debuts: C. J. Chibhabha; J. S. Patel.

Zimbabwe's second encounter with New Zealand was less traumatic, although a 27-run defeat flattered them: another top-order batting failure meant their pursuit of a moderate target never looked likely to succeed. New Zealand, too, appeared less focused. After scoring 172 against Zimbabwe the previous week, Vincent lasted only three balls; Astle held the top order together, but found little support until Styris joined him, and New Zealand found themselves 149 for seven. Then Vettori scored a run-a-ball 47 and added 79 in 13 overs with Styris, a New Zealand eighthwicket record, and Zimbabwe soon slid to 93 for six. Coventry and Blignaut both entertained the crowd and narrowed the gap.

Man of the Match: A. M. Blignaut.