Match State: Match scheduled to start at 10:30am local time (2130 GMT)
welcome to Eden Park in Auckland for the third and final National
Bank Series One-Day International between New Zealand and Zimbabwe
it's three from three in the weather stakes, another fabulous day
in the skies, already it is almost uncomfortably warm, with clear
blue skies all around
the pitch is reported to be reasonably slow, and possibly keep a
bit low as it wears later in the match, and the turn may not be
overly appreciable, otherwise it seems a good batting surface
Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak has won the toss and interestingly
elected to field first, apparently New Zealand would've batted
first had they won the toss anyway
this will make a change from the first two matches with Zimbabwe
setting the targets, and interestingly, the last time these two
teams met here, three seasons ago, New Zealand batted first and
won by just 2 runs, on the final ball when 4 were needed
one change to the home side for today, with off spinner Paul
Wiseman replacing leg spinner Brooke Walker, who becomes 12th man
Zimbabwe have made two changes, with Travis Friend returning to the
playing XI for the failed debutant Angus Mackay, and Dirk Viljoen
to play his first international match down under, replacing
Douglas Marillier, who is 12th man
on come the umpires for today, Billy Bowden and Doug Cowie,
followed by the Zimbabwe fielders, it'll be Heath Streak to open
the bowling, with Mathew Sinclair to take first strike, Nathan
Astle at the non-striker's end
two slips, third man, point, cover, mid off, mid on, square leg,
long leg in place for the right-handed Sinclair facing the right
arm over the wicket Streak
0.1 Streak to Sinclair, wide: no run, not a good start for Streak, very
wide down the leg side, Flower has to dive to his left to take
0.1 Streak to Sinclair, no run, much, much better ball! lifting ball
moving away outside off stump, Sinclair all over the show, has a
bit of a nip at it, didn't really need to follow it as it moved
away, losing the bottom hand off the bat as he reached for it
0.2 Streak to Sinclair, no run, this one's even closer! reaching for a
climbing ball moving away outside off stump, plays and misses,
past the outside edge
0.3 Streak to Sinclair, no run, much fuller ball outside off stump,
firmly tapped straight to Whittall at cover, gets a warm round of
applause for at last putting bat on to ball
0.4 Streak to Sinclair, no run, shuffles in behind a straight ball
outside off stump, defends away into the covers
0.5 Streak to Sinclair, no run, full ball outside off stump, one foot
planted forward down the crease, looking to send it through the
covers, strikes it cleanly but straight to Whittall with only
minimal power
0.6 Streak to Sinclair, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cuts
but only gets an underedge, Flower does very well to dive the
wrong way and pluck it with his left glove
End of over 1 (1 run) New Zealand 1/0 (RR: 1.00)
HH Streak 1-0-1-0 (1w) - Dominion Road End
NJ Astle 0* (0b) MS Sinclair 0* (6b)
Travis Friend to bowl from the Sandringham Road End
1.1 Friend to Astle, FOUR, welcome to the attack my Friend! short and
wide outside off stump, pings up like a tennis ball and Astle
simply helps it up over the slips, just bouncing inside the rope,
well wide of third man
1.2 Friend to Astle, no run, Friend comes back with a better second
ball, this one seams in and tucks Astle up, taking him high on the
pads, angling down leg
1.3 Friend to Astle, wide: no run, this one moves far too far back down
the leg side, noticeable seam movement, wide down the leg side
1.3 Friend to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, looks to
cut but mistimes it from the bottom edge, down to cover point
1.4 Friend to Astle, FOUR, short ball outside off stump, driving at one
a bit tight on him, runs a thick edge just wide of the diving
second slip, too quickly to the boundary for third man
1.5 Friend to Astle, no run, hops back in the crease to a shortish
ball, defending up towards mid on
1.6 Friend to Astle, no run, short ball, squared around on the crease
in defence, drops it down dead into the pitch at his feet
End of over 2 (9 runs) New Zealand 10/0 (RR: 5.00)
TJ Friend 1-0-9-0 (1w) - Sandringham Road End
MS Sinclair 0* (6b) NJ Astle 8* (6b 2x4)
2.1 Streak to Sinclair, no run, tight ball on off stump, leans in,
firmly pushing it away to Whittall at cover
2.2 Streak to Sinclair, no run, beaten! plays and misses shuffling
across to off stump by one that keeps a bit lower from a similar
length, driving away from the body
2.3 Streak to Sinclair, one run, Sinclair off the mark after 9 balls,
at last managing to place the same stroke which he had already
played a few times directly to Whittall before, getting this one
straighter for a run with the stroke
2.4 Streak to Astle, no run, beaten! a beauty from Streak, Astle is
lost on the crease, neither forward nor back as a perfect length
rising ball goes straight through on him, sliding past the outside
edge
2.5 Streak to Astle, wide: no run, but can't sustain the pressure, this
one's very wayward down the leg side, similar to his first wide,
nearly a Test match one, Flower dives well to take to his left
again
2.5 Streak to Astle, no run, straight and full on middle and leg,
squared around in defending up to mid on
2.6 Streak to Astle, legbye: FOUR, angling down the leg side, glanced
off the thigh pad down to fine leg, too fine for Friend to get
around and stop it in time
End of over 3 (6 runs) New Zealand 16/0 (RR: 5.33)
HH Streak 2-0-3-0 (2w) - Dominion Road End
MS Sinclair 1* (9b) NJ Astle 8* (9b 2x4)
Zimbabwe will have to get themselves quickly reacquainted to the
tricky angles of Eden Park, boundaries are not what they seem
here, though they should be at least partially familiar - Taupo
was not dissimilar shape to this
3.1 Friend to Sinclair, no run, super quick rising ball, really hurries
on to Sinclair who can only just sway the body out of the way in
time
3.2 Friend to Sinclair, no run, shortish straight ball on off stump,
hops on the crease to fend down in defence in close on the off
side, Whittall in to field from cover
3.3 Friend to Sinclair, no run, straight ball on the legs, strongly
driven straight up to Streak at mid on
3.4 Friend to Sinclair, two runs, too short, well pulled from off
stump, whipping it through backward square leg, just overhauled
inside the boundary by Viljoen at long leg
3.5 Friend to Sinclair, no run, straight ball slides on quickly, trying
to work it to leg, misses, taken on the pad and brings an appeal,
but angling well down the leg side, deflected through to the
keeper
3.6 Friend to Sinclair, no run, angling down the leg side, tries to
pick it up but misses, through to Flower
End of over 4 (2 runs) New Zealand 18/0 (RR: 4.50)
TJ Friend 2-0-11-0 (1w) - Sandringham Road End
NJ Astle 8* (9b 2x4) MS Sinclair 3* (15b)
4.1 Streak to Astle, no run, straight ball, hops on the crease to turn
it down to Madondo at square leg
4.2 Streak to Astle, no run, squared around in defence by a good length
straight ball, fends it back down the pitch
4.3 Streak to Astle, wide: no run, full and quick, but poorly directed,
well down the leg side, tries to flick it away but just misses,
Flower attempts to appeal for a catch to deflect from the wide
call, but no fooling umpire Bowden
4.3 Streak to Astle, one run, straight ball, tapped down towards mid
on, well run quick single taken with the shot as it's dropped
short of Rennie scooting in to field
4.4 Streak to Sinclair, no run, straight ball on off stump, firmly
stroked up to Viljoen at mid off
4.5 Streak to Sinclair, no run, driven strongly straight back down the
pitch, moving the feet to leg to free the arms, but Streak makes a
good stop on his follow through
4.6 Streak to Sinclair, FOUR, a bit short, well whipped off the legs
through square leg, but played a bit in the air, just dropping
short of the diving Madondo to his left at square leg, races away
to the short square boundary
End of over 5 (6 runs) New Zealand 24/0 (RR: 4.80)
HH Streak 3-0-9-0 (3w) - Dominion Road End
NJ Astle 9* (12b 2x4) MS Sinclair 7* (18b 1x4)
5.1 Friend to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut down
into the ground, away to point
5.2 Friend to Astle, no run, full ball, strongly driven straight back
down the pitch, Friend falls to his right on his follow through,
trying to stop it, it take a faint chance of a caught and bowled,
but drops just short, slows its pace up to mid off
5.3 Friend to Astle, FOUR, interesting shot! charges down the pitch to
a short ball, and plays a slashing square cut over vacant cover
point
not ever day you see a charge down the pitch result in the ball
dispatched to the square boundaries
5.4 Friend to Astle, no run, shortish ball again, cut down into the
ground to Murphy at point
5.5 Friend to Astle, no run, drives and misses outside off stump, was
left reaching a little for it as it came from a back of a length,
climbed more than expected and fractionally moved away, useful
delivery
5.6 Friend to Astle, one run, overpitched outside off stump, Astle
tries to reel out his expansive cover drive but mistimes it away
towards extra cover, enough time for a quick single with the
stroke, wide mid off fielder fumbles to make sure it's comfortably
taken
End of over 6 (5 runs) New Zealand 29/0 (RR: 4.83)
TJ Friend 3-0-16-0 (1w) - Sandringham Road End
NJ Astle 14* (18b 3x4) MS Sinclair 7* (18b 1x4)
6.1 Streak to Astle, no run, hops on the crease, looking to swing it
away through square leg, played over the top of it, deflects off
the pad down into the slips, almost a 'catch' as Carlisle dives
forward to stop on the half volley
6.2 Streak to Astle, no run, watchfully drawn forward by a full and
straight ball, digging it back out from his feet, back to the
bowler on his follow through
6.3 Streak to Astle, legbye: one run, angling down the leg side,
cannons into the pad, rebounding away towards square leg, good
quick single taken as it drops well short of Madondo at square
leg, underarm throw from side on misses as Sinclair's safely
through
6.4 Streak to Sinclair, no run, straight ball, worked away towards
midwicket, Madondo's placed forward of square for Sinclair so is
quickly across to field before they think of a quick run
6.5 Streak to Sinclair, no run, quick ball hurries through on Sinclair,
cannons into the pads, big appeal for lbw, but pitched outside the
line of off stump, came back a long way and was heading down leg,
rebounds away to point and has Sinclair distracted, wandering well
out of his
crease, direct hit from Murphy from side on is a beauty, but
Sinclair just sneaked back in time, not home by much
6.6 Streak to Sinclair, OUT: but he throws away his let off very next
ball, and plays it straight to the very same player, cut hard
straight to Murphy at point, taking a comfortable catch
New Zealand 30/1, Partnership of 30
MS Sinclair c Murphy b Streak 7 (21b 1x4 0x6)
End of over 7 (1 run, maiden) New Zealand 30/1 (RR: 4.29)
HH Streak 4-1-9-1 (3w) - Dominion Road End
NJ Astle 14* (21b 3x4)
Stephen Fleming the new batsman
7.1 Friend to Astle, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, slashing
cut down to Rennie at third man
7.2 Friend to Fleming, no run, shortish ball, raps Fleming high on the
pads first up, half appeal for lbw as it was going straight on,
but he jumped well into it and struck very high, no chance
7.3 Friend to Fleming, one run, much fuller, on his legs, well turned
down to Rennie at long leg to get off the mark
7.4 Friend to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, Astle
cuts and misses, seamed back a long way back in and has Astle
perplexed, just not quite coming back far enough to clip off stump
7.5 Friend to Astle, FOUR, very full ball, superbly straight driven
back past the bowler, didn't have much room to work with but
squeezes it out straight back down the pitch, past the diving
Friend
7.6 Friend to Astle, no run, full ball outside off stump, goes for a
big straight drive but mistimes it up to Streak at mid on
End of over 8 (6 runs) New Zealand 36/1 (RR: 4.50)
TJ Friend 4-0-22-0 (1w) - Sandringham Road End
SP Fleming 1* (2b) NJ Astle 19* (25b 4x4)
8.1 Streak to Fleming, no run, quick rising ball outside off stump,
shoulders arms through to the keeper
8.2 Streak to Fleming, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
stroked straight up to Rennie at mid off
8.3 Streak to Fleming, one run, firmly driven forward of point, they
set off for a quick single but Murphy makes a super diving stop to
his left, picks up and has a shy at the bowler's end, Fleming
safely home as it misses
8.4 Streak to Astle, two runs, tucked off his legs, well turned through
backward square leg, good hard running for the second, though
Fleming has to scamper a little to the bowler's end as the throw
comes his way from long leg, safely enough there
8.5 Streak to Astle, no run, good tight straight ball, squared around
on the crease, defends from the leading edge back down the pitch
to Streak
8.6 Streak to Astle, no run, straight ball on middle stump, jumps back
to defend straight back to Streak
End of over 9 (3 runs) New Zealand 39/1 (RR: 4.33)
HH Streak 5-1-12-1 (3w) - Dominion Road End
SP Fleming 2* (5b) NJ Astle 21* (28b 4x4)
Bryan Strang replaces Friend after a spell of 4-0-22-0 at the
Sandringham Road End
9.1 Strang to Fleming, FOUR, overpitched first delivery, wonderfully
well clipped through forward square leg, not much leg side
protection and it's away past Madondo at midwicket, too well timed
for the deep square leg man also
9.2 Strang to Fleming, no run, driven straight up to mid off on the
circle edge
9.3 Strang to Fleming, one run, forward, well tapped up towards Streak
at mid on with the shot, pre-planned and well executed, the field
is too flat footed to have any hope of preventing that
Andy Flower comes up to the stumps for Strang now
9.4 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cuts and
misses from the crease
9.5 Strang to Astle, FOUR, lucky! driving from the crease, gets a big
inside edge over the stumps, through keeper Flower, down to the
fine leg boundary
9.6 Strang to Astle, one run, strongly cut, but equally well fielded by
Murphy at point, partially stopping it, concedes the single
however as it dribbles away behind him
End of over 10 (10 runs) New Zealand 49/1 (RR: 4.90)
BC Strang 1-0-10-0 - Sandringham Road End
NJ Astle 26* (31b 5x4) SP Fleming 7* (8b 1x4)
Murphy proving to be one of Zimbabwe's better fielders, and in the
one-day game at least, one of the more useful bowlers
10.1 Streak to Astle, no run, tight ball on off stump, hops on the
crease in chopping it down towards Murphy at point
10.2 Streak to Astle, no run, full ball outside off stump, mistimes it
into the covers, Whittall across to field
10.3 Streak to Astle, FOUR, short rising ball outside off stump,
powerfully slammed in the air through backward point, Strang looks
to have it covered down at third man, diving to his left, stops it
only partially, letting it sneak under his body and dribbles over
the rope
that brings up New Zealand's 50 off 63 balls
10.4 Streak to Astle, no run, tighter short ball on off stump, hops on
the crease to defend back down the pitch to Streak
10.5 Streak to Astle, no run, a bit more width, Astle doesn't get across
to it with the feet however, having a swish and miss outside off
stump
typical Astle early on, going for the big shots, hitting many, but
missing a few too
10.6 Streak to Astle, (noball) no run, oversteps, lazily cuts and misses
outside off stump to a fairly wide ball
10.6 Streak to Astle, no run, short ball, defends watchfully down to
Whittall in the covers
End of over 11 (5 runs) New Zealand 54/1 (RR: 4.91)
HH Streak 6-1-17-1 (3w 1nb) - Dominion Road End
SP Fleming 7* (8b 1x4) NJ Astle 30* (38b 6x4)
11.1 Strang to Fleming, no run, full ball outside off stump, strongly
driven back on the off side of the pitch, Strang does well to stop
it mostly with the right hand bending down on his follow through
Streak orders Campbell out from the slips, and in to a short cover
position
11.2 Strang to Fleming, no run, good length ball outside off stump,
draws Fleming into the drive, playing and missing one moving away
through to Flower
11.3 Strang to Fleming, no run, tight ball on off stump, dabs it away
towards vacant gully, looking for the quick single but then comes
the loud 'no!' call before it's too late as Flower's quickly
across to field with one glove off
11.4 Strang to Fleming, no run, firmly driven straight to Whittall at
cover
11.5 Strang to Fleming, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, cuts
down to Viljoen at third man
11.6 Strang to Astle, no run, straight rising ball on off stump, defends
down to cover point
End of over 12 (1 run) New Zealand 55/1 (RR: 4.58)
BC Strang 2-0-11-0 - Sandringham Road End
SP Fleming 8* (13b 1x4) NJ Astle 30* (39b 6x4)
Friend returns, replacing Streak at the Dominion Road End
12.1 Friend to Fleming, no run, uppishly driven into the covers, just
bouncing short of Whittall, never fully in control over the top of
that one
12.2 Friend to Fleming, legbye: one run, angling down the leg side,
turned down to Viljoen at fine leg from the thigh
12.3 Friend to Astle, no run, good length ball on off stump, defends
down to Murphy across to field at cover point
12.4 Friend to Astle, FOUR, charges down the pitch, has a big swing
across the line at one a bit far outside off stump, really had to
reach, gets a thick bottom edge that is dragged back *just* past
off stump, and beats Flower too, down to the boundary in front of
the sightscreen
12.5 Friend to Astle, one run, short ball outside off stump, strongly
cut down to Viljoen at third man
12.6 Friend to Fleming, no run, shortish ball on middle and leg, looks
to work it through midwicket but taken high on the pad, drops dead
in close on the leg side
End of over 13 (6 runs) New Zealand 61/1 (RR: 4.69)
TJ Friend 5-0-27-0 (1w) - Dominion Road End
NJ Astle 35* (42b 7x4) SP Fleming 8* (16b 1x4)
13.1 Strang to Astle, one run, lazily cuts down to third man
13.2 Strang to Fleming, FOUR, calculated stroke, dances down the track,
picking up a fair length ball turned into a half volley, lofted
clear over the head of Streak at mid on, one bounce inside the
rope and over
13.3 Strang to Fleming, no run, forward, guided away to Murphy at point
13.4 Strang to Fleming, FOUR, overpitched on the legs, well punished,
driven sweetly through wide midwicket, perfectly placed through
the gap wide of mid on
13.5 Strang to Fleming, no run, watchfully forward, pushes back down the
pitch in defence to the bowler
13.6 Strang to Fleming, two runs, shortish ball, turned away through the
wide open space square on the leg side, played backward of square,
an easy two there on the placement alone, but Fleming stumbles as
his bat digs into the ground as he turns, has to get a move on to
the keeper's
End of over 14 (11 runs) New Zealand 72/1 (RR: 5.14)
BC Strang 3-0-22-0 - Sandringham Road End
NJ Astle 36* (43b 7x4) SP Fleming 18* (21b 3x4)
end, but makes it just safely enough in the end as the throw is
fired in over the sticks
14.1 Friend to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, looks to
get over the top of it but mistimes a slap shot down to Whittall
at extra cover
14.2 Friend to Astle, no run, full outside off stump, uppishly driven
towards Strang at wide mid off, just bouncing short of the fielder
14.3 Friend to Astle, FOUR, shot! unquestionably the shot of the match
so far, overpitched outside off stump, creamed through extra
cover, just a metre or two wide of Whittall but he was left for
dead, standing and watching it whiz past
14.4 Friend to Astle, no run, shortish ball that doesn't get up as much
as expected outside off stump, cuts but gets a thin under edge,
through to the keeper on the bounce, just dropping short
14.5 Friend to Astle, no run, good tight ball on off stump, watchfully
jumps on the crease, defending down towards cover point, Murphy
across to field
14.6 Friend to Astle, no run, mistimes a cut straight down to Murphy at
point
End of over 15 (4 runs) New Zealand 76/1 (RR: 5.07)
TJ Friend 6-0-31-0 (1w) - Dominion Road End
SP Fleming 18* (21b 3x4) NJ Astle 40* (49b 8x4)
New Zealand off to a bright and breezy start in the first 15 overs,
the fielding restrictions now lifted
15.1 Strang to Fleming, no run, watchfully forward, dropping it down in
defence towards point
15.2 Strang to Fleming, one run, sweetly guided away off the face
through backward point, Viljoen around from third man to field in
the deep
15.3 Strang to Astle, FOUR, shortish ball outside off stump, deftly runs
it off the edge very fine, travels too quickly for Rennie at third
man as all the pace of the delivery is used
brings up the 50 partnership off just 52 balls
15.4 Strang to Astle, no run, plays and misses outside off stump, trying
on a similar stroke
Strang managed to extract extra bounce and movement away from the
batsman on that occasion
15.5 Strang to Astle, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut away
to Madondo at deep point
15.6 Strang to Fleming, no run, shortish ball, mistimed push up towards
mid on
End of over 16 (6 runs) New Zealand 82/1 (RR: 5.12)
BC Strang 4-0-28-0 - Sandringham Road End
NJ Astle 45* (52b 9x4) SP Fleming 19* (24b 3x4)
Brian Murphy replaces Friend at the bowling crease
16.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted up full on middle and leg, tries
to turn it away but into the bottom of the pads it goes, dropping
down in close on the leg side
16.2 Murphy to Astle, one run, forward, drops it down towards short
midwicket, well placed for a quick single with the shot as
Whittall slides in from deeper to field
16.3 Murphy to Fleming, no run, tight ball on off stump, nudged away
towards point, looks for a quick run but is quickly denied as
Friend's fast to the ball from backward point
16.4 Murphy to Fleming, no run, turned around the corner, played
straight to short fine leg
16.5 Murphy to Fleming, one run, full ball, firmly driven straight down
to Strang at long off
16.6 Murphy to Astle, wide: no run, flighted full down the leg side,
looks to sweep but misses, Flower fumbles the take
16.6 Murphy to Astle, wide: no run, flatter ball, but down the leg side,
and similar again, umpire Billy Bowden with the wiggly arms
signalling to the scorers
16.6 Murphy to Astle, one run, flighted full outside off stump, driven
out to Viljoen at deep extra cover
End of over 17 (5 runs) New Zealand 87/1 (RR: 5.12)
BA Murphy 1-0-5-0 (2w) - Dominion Road End
NJ Astle 47* (55b 9x4) SP Fleming 20* (27b 3x4)
and on comes the drinks
Dirk Viljoen replaces the expensive Strang at the bowling crease
17.1 Viljoen to Astle, no run, forward, defends back on the leg side of
the pitch
17.2 Viljoen to Astle, no run, stretching well forward, driven straight
back to the bowler
17.3 Viljoen to Astle, no run, tries to lap it away, turns into the
front pad
17.4 Viljoen to Astle, one run, stroked up on the leg side of the pitch,
an easy single with the shot as it heads up towards long on, but
there's much animation in the calling as a man sidles right up
next to the ball but doesn't threaten to field!
17.5 Viljoen to Fleming, no run, flighted up outside off stump,
watchfully pushed straight to Carlisle at wide midwicket
17.6 Viljoen to Fleming, no run, pushing forward from the crease, turns
into the front pad, through the stroke too early as it was held
up, stifled appeal by Viljoen as it struck outside the line
End of over 18 (1 run) New Zealand 88/1 (RR: 4.89)
DP Viljoen 1-0-1-0 - Sandringham Road End
NJ Astle 48* (59b 9x4) SP Fleming 20* (29b 3x4)
18.1 Murphy to Astle, OUT: flighted up beautifully, Astle comes forward
too late and ends up playing all around it, yorked himself and
straight into the stumps she goes, cut short of consecutive 50s
New Zealand 88/2, Partnership of 58
NJ Astle b Murphy 48 (60b 9x4 0x6)
SP Fleming 20* (29b 3x4) BA Murphy 1.1-0-5-1 (2w)
Roger Twose the new batsman, walking to the crease to the haunting
tune of the movie Braveheart, as is his tradition of the last
couple of years
18.2 Murphy to Twose, no run, props well forward, defending with bat/pad
together back down the pitch
18.3 Murphy to Twose, no run, flighted up outside off stump, again well
forward with bat/pad, played up towards mid off
18.4 Murphy to Twose, two runs, juicy full toss outside off stump, takes
Twose somewhat by surprise, playing it up through extra cover,
Madondo around to field from squarer in the deep
18.5 Murphy to Twose, no run, turned from the legs directly to Carlisle
at square leg
18.6 Murphy to Twose, no run, forward, defends down in close on the off
side
End of over 19 (2 runs) New Zealand 90/2 (RR: 4.74)
BA Murphy 2-0-7-1 (2w) - Dominion Road End
SP Fleming 20* (29b 3x4) RG Twose 2* (5b)
Zimbabwe must've enjoyed something in their drinks, just three runs
and a wicket in the two overs since
19.1 Viljoen to Fleming, no run, stretching well forward, pushes quietly
back along the pitch in defence
19.2 Viljoen to Fleming, no run, flighted up again, watchfully defends
down to Murphy at wide midwicket
19.3 Viljoen to Fleming, one run, flighted full, driven down to long on
19.4 Viljoen to Twose, no run, flatter, straight ball, defends down to
Murphy at wide mid on
19.5 Viljoen to Twose, one run, sweetly driven up to Strang at long off
19.6 Viljoen to Fleming, one run, forward, turned around the corner
through forward square leg, Madondo in from the deep to field
End of over 20 (3 runs) New Zealand 93/2 (RR: 4.65)
DP Viljoen 2-0-4-0 - Sandringham Road End
SP Fleming 22* (33b 3x4) RG Twose 3* (7b)
20.1 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted invitingly on a length, Fleming
stretches forward, working it into the leg side, but not past
Streak at wide midwicket
20.2 Murphy to Fleming, no run, strongly driven into the covers,
Whittall fields well to his right from extra cover
20.3 Murphy to Fleming, no run, floated up straight, turns back a long
way, pitching on off stump and turning down leg, worth a shout by
Murphy but good not out call
20.4 Murphy to Fleming, one run, flighted full on the leg side, turned
away forward of square leg for an easy single with the shot
20.5 Murphy to Twose, no run, drawn forward, drives firmly back down the
pitch, Murphy skilling the ball on his follow through
20.6 Murphy to Twose, FOUR, overtossed outside off stump, Twose goes for
a full blooded drive, doesn't get it where he intended, but will
be happy with the result anyway, slices it off the outside edge
along the ground backward of point, past short third man and away
to the
End of over 21 (5 runs) New Zealand 98/2 (RR: 4.67)
BA Murphy 3-0-12-1 (2w) - Dominion Road End
SP Fleming 23* (37b 3x4) RG Twose 7* (9b 1x4)
extremely short boundary in front of the North Stand
21.1 Viljoen to Fleming, one run, flighted up straight, driven down to
Carlisle at long on
21.2 Viljoen to Twose, one run, shortish ball, forced off the back foot
down to Strang at long off
that brings up the New Zealand 100 off 129 balls
21.3 Viljoen to Fleming, two runs, flighted full, dragged around the
corner, sweeping well through backward square leg, bisecting the
fielders in the deep, Friend diving well from long leg to stop it
just inside the boundary
21.4 Viljoen to Fleming, one run, turned out to Madondo at deep
midwicket
21.5 Viljoen to Twose, one run, nudged down the ground to Carlisle at
long on
21.6 Viljoen to Fleming, one run, flighted up outside off stump, driven
down towards Strang coming in to field from long off
End of over 22 (7 runs) New Zealand 105/2 (RR: 4.77)
DP Viljoen 3-0-11-0 - Sandringham Road End
SP Fleming 28* (41b 3x4) RG Twose 9* (11b 1x4)
and just like that, the brakes are let go of by Zimbabwe, the last
ball boundary in the previous over has made way for Viljoen to be
milked expertly the next over by the two left handers
22.1 Murphy to Fleming, one run, flighted up full, driven firmly down to
Friend at long on
22.2 Murphy to Twose, one run, dances down the track, mistiming a lofted
shot over vacant cover, out to Madondo at deep cover
22.3 Murphy to Fleming, no run, cuts and misses outside off stump
22.4 Murphy to Fleming, no run, stretches the front pad forward, looks
to lay it away backward of point, but plays under it late, extra
bounce from Murphy as it goes straight on
22.5 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted very full outside off stump,
drives and misses from the crease, the only appeal for a catch
behind comes from Whittall at extra cover!
22.6 Murphy to Fleming, one run, flighted up on leg stump, easily turned
away out to Campbell at deep midwicket
End of over 23 (3 runs) New Zealand 108/2 (RR: 4.70)
BA Murphy 4-0-15-1 (2w) - Dominion Road End
SP Fleming 30* (46b 3x4) RG Twose 10* (12b 1x4)
23.1 Viljoen to Fleming, one run, flatter ball, firmly driven straight
down to Carlisle at long on
23.2 Viljoen to Twose, no run, flighted up nicely on a length, Twose is
left to wait on the crease, guiding it away to Whittall at cover
point
23.3 Viljoen to Twose, no run, flatter, fuller, faster, Twose just digs
out one from bat/pad, driving from the crease, drops at his feet,
Flower around from behind the stumps to tidy up
23.4 Viljoen to Twose, no run, flighted up outside off stump, sweetly
driven but straight to Streak at extra cover
23.5 Viljoen to Twose, no run, stretches forward, defending this time
straight to Streak inside the circle
23.6 Viljoen to Twose, one run, manages to work it squarer, driving out
to Whittall at deep cover
End of over 24 (2 runs) New Zealand 110/2 (RR: 4.58)
DP Viljoen 4-0-13-0 - Sandringham Road End
RG Twose 11* (17b 1x4) SP Fleming 31* (47b 3x4)
24.1 Murphy to Twose, no run, flighted up outside off stump, goes for a
crashing cover drive but plays over the top of it, getting a thick
bottom edge into the ground, bouncing back past the keeper, both
batsmen too hesitant to go for the quick run
24.2 Murphy to Twose, no run, drives and misses to a flighted ball wider
outside off stump, that was the googly and he didn't pick it,
turning away from the left hander
24.3 Murphy to Twose, no run, reaching forward, pats it quietly back on
the off side of the pitch, Murphy fields himself
24.4 Murphy to Twose, one run, square driven out to Madondo in the deep,
around from deep cover to field
24.5 Murphy to Fleming, no run, well forward, flighted up full, tries to
drive but misses completely, turns into the pad down leg
24.6 Murphy to Fleming, no run, good length ball, can only push it
straight back down the pitch
End of over 25 (1 run) New Zealand 111/2 (RR: 4.44)
BA Murphy 5-0-16-1 (2w) - Dominion Road End
RG Twose 12* (21b 1x4) SP Fleming 31* (49b 3x4)
another nice tidy over from Murphy, he's reeled it back somewhat,
flighting it well and confusing the pair with some nice variations
25.1 Viljoen to Twose, SIX, flighted full, clobbered over wide long on!
Twose realised some attention to the run rate was needed,
dispatched well over Carlisle's head
25.2 Viljoen to Twose, SIX, and another! down the track, sends it a long
way over midwicket, the boundaries are too puny to contain Twose,
and well caught in the North Stand for a bit of cash by one
spectator
a real drop kick shot, just picked it up as it turned down the leg
side
25.3 Viljoen to Twose, no run, firmly driven straight back to the
bowler, the crowd mockingly jeer as they don't get to see three in
a row, Viljoen threatens to throw back at the keeper's end,
bringing some more genuine jeers
25.4 Viljoen to Twose, one run, driven straight down to Carlisle at long
on
25.5 Viljoen to Fleming, one run, Fleming follows suit, driven straight
down to Carlisle
25.6 Viljoen to Twose, one run, oh dear oh dear, tapped away towards
wide midwicket, quick single taken with the shot but it wasn't
ever really there, Twose scrambles to the bowler's end as Murphy
picks up and turns very quickly to have a shy, just missing
End of over 26 (15 runs) New Zealand 126/2 (RR: 4.85)
DP Viljoen 5-0-28-0 - Sandringham Road End
RG Twose 26* (26b 1x4 2x6) SP Fleming 32* (50b 3x4)
Twose was gone for all money had it hit, a foolish way to end a
very good over for New Zealand, totally unneccesary as 14 was
already taken off it before that delivery
26.1 Murphy to Twose, no run, shortish ball, dabbed away to Whittall at
short third man
26.2 Murphy to Twose, one run, flighted full, turned into a low full
toss as he comes forward, driven down to Friend at long on
26.3 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted full, driven straight to Streak
at shortish midwicket
26.4 Murphy to Fleming, FOUR, flighted very full outside off stump,
powerfully driven through the covers, Whittall dives to his right,
gets a fair chunk of hand on it, slowing its pace, but the timing
is superb and it still has the juice to travel all the way
26.5 Murphy to Fleming, one run, flighted full, driven straight down to
Friend at long on
26.6 Murphy to Twose, one run, floated up, stretches forward, nudging it
into the off side, after initial hesitation they get through
safely for a good quick single with the shot
End of over 27 (7 runs) New Zealand 133/2 (RR: 4.93)
BA Murphy 6-0-23-1 (2w) - Dominion Road End
RG Twose 28* (29b 1x4 2x6) SP Fleming 37* (53b 4x4)
the duel with the spinners continues to ebb and flow, one side
dominating for a couple of overs, then the other, interesting
battle in the middle stages to keep the normally drab patch alive
but at least one half of the duo has now been extracted, Viljoen is
hauled off after his 15 run last over, in favour of medium pacer
Guy Whittall
27.1 Whittall to Twose, no run, forward, defends straight back to the
bowler
27.2 Whittall to Twose, two runs, sweetly driven through extra cover,
time for two as Campbell has to field around from much squarer
27.3 Whittall to Twose, no run, forward, guides a tight ball on off
stump away directly to Murphy at point
27.4 Whittall to Twose, no run, forward, leans on it, defending down
into the covers
27.5 Whittall to Twose, no run, drives and misses from the crease,
angling too much away and bouncing well over the blade, Whittall
gives a token half appeal
27.6 Whittall to Twose, OUT: but he's got him this time! another lazy
waft outside off stump, Whittall pushes it through quicker, gets a
fine but clear nick through to Flower who snaps up a fine catch,
he and bowler are jubilant and up goes umpire Cowie's finger
New Zealand 135/3, Partnership of 47
RG Twose c Flower b Whittall 30 (35b 1x4 2x6)
End of over 28 (2 runs) New Zealand 135/3 (RR: 4.82)
GJ Whittall 1-0-2-1 - Sandringham Road End
SP Fleming 37* (53b 4x4)
Jacob Oram the new batsman, his first chance with the willow in
international cricket, after not being required in the match at
Wellington
the bowling change does the trick, and the plucky Zimbabweans are
keeping themselves well alive in this match
28.1 Murphy to Fleming, one run, firmly stroked straight up to long off
28.2 Murphy to Oram, one run, and a jolly good start for the big man
first ball of his career, angling down the leg side, easily helped
on its way down to Strang at long leg
28.3 Murphy to Fleming, wide: no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
cuts and misses as it spins away from the left hander, called wide
by umpire Bowden
28.3 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted full and straight, driven
straight to Streak at wide midwicket
28.4 Murphy to Fleming, no run, stretching forward, looking to work it
to leg, but it's too straight, turns into the front pad and drops
down in close on the leg side
28.5 Murphy to Fleming, one run, flighted full outside off stump, comes
well forward to drive comfortably straight down to Viljoen at long
off
28.6 Murphy to Oram, no run, flighted full, looks to turn it away to the
leg side but is taken full on the pad low down
End of over 29 (4 runs) New Zealand 139/3 (RR: 4.79)
BA Murphy 7-0-27-1 (3w) - Dominion Road End
SP Fleming 39* (57b 4x4) JDP Oram 1* (2b)
29.1 Whittall to Fleming, one run, pushing forward at a shortish ball,
turned away through vacant square leg, Viljoen in from long leg to
field, Fleming quick to tell Oram there's no quick second run on
offer
29.2 Whittall to Oram, no run, props well forward in defence with
bat/pad together, drops it down towards Rennie in the covers
29.3 Whittall to Oram, no run, pushing forward in defence, drops it down
just forward of point, Murphy across to field, quick loud call of
'no!' from Oram
29.4 Whittall to Oram, two runs, useful straight lofted shot, didn't
quite get on to it, but sufficiently enough to clear mid off and
mid on, bisecting them well, fielded a few metres inside the rope
29.5 Whittall to Oram, no run, good tight straight ball, tapped away
towards cover point, another loud yelp of 'no!' from Oram as
Murphy swoops across to field
29.6 Whittall to Oram, one run, shortish ball angling down the leg side,
glanced down to Viljoen at fine leg
End of over 30 (4 runs) New Zealand 143/3 (RR: 4.77)
GJ Whittall 2-0-6-1 - Sandringham Road End
JDP Oram 4* (7b) SP Fleming 40* (58b 4x4)
30.1 Murphy to Oram, no run, floated up on a good length outside off
stump, stretches well forward to dead bat defend it in close on
the leg side, Flower around to tidy up from behind the stumps
30.2 Murphy to Oram, one run, flighted full, driven up towards Viljoen
at mid off, good quick running with the stroke sees Oram through
comfortably
30.3 Murphy to Fleming, one run, shortish ball turning down leg, turned
away towards long leg, fielded on the circle edge by Strang coming
in from the deep
30.4 Murphy to Oram, FOUR, super back cut through backward point, Oram's
first international boundary, looked to drive but readjusted the
stroke, sitting back and laying it away nicely
30.5 Murphy to Oram, no run, firmly driven back on the off side of the
pitch, Whittall in from extra cover to field
30.6 Murphy to Oram, legbye: one run, angling down the leg side, sweeps
but misses, deflected away from the pad towards vacant short fine
leg
End of over 31 (7 runs) New Zealand 150/3 (RR: 4.84)
BA Murphy 8-0-33-1 (3w) - Dominion Road End
JDP Oram 9* (12b 1x4) SP Fleming 41* (59b 4x4)
that brings up New Zealand's 150 off 187 balls
31.1 Whittall to Oram, SIX, short ball, stands tall and swings it away
heftily over forward square leg, Madondo totally misjudges it in
the deep, running around the boundary too far, falling over trying
to stop and get back towards it, probably catchable too!d
the tricky Eden Park corner pockets claim another victim
Whittall stares out at Madondo in the deep, he is totally
unimpressed by that effort
31.2 Whittall to Oram, no run, full ball outside off stump, driven
firmly straight back to the bowler
31.3 Whittall to Oram, one run, awkwardly pulled away around the corner
in the air through vacant backward square leg, Viljoen around from
long leg to field
31.4 Whittall to Fleming, no run, mistimed drive, straight back to
Whittall
31.5 Whittall to Fleming, no run, cuts hard and misses outside off
stump, playing all over the top of it
31.6 Whittall to Fleming, no run, full ball outside off stump, mistimes
a straight drive to Streak at wide midwicket
End of over 32 (7 runs) New Zealand 157/3 (RR: 4.91)
GJ Whittall 3-0-13-1 - Sandringham Road End
JDP Oram 16* (15b 1x4 1x6) SP Fleming 41* (62b 4x4)
32.1 Murphy to Oram, FOUR, flighted full, superbly swung away in the air
through vacant forward square leg, one bounce and over the
boundary, too good for Campbell just a few paces wider in the deep
32.2 Murphy to Oram, one run, goes for another lofted shot, advancing
down the wicket, not quite to the pitch of the ball and spoons it
out towards deep extra cover, luckily didn't get much on it, just
pitching short of Madondo racing in from the deep to field
32.3 Murphy to Fleming, one run, forward, turned away to vacant square
leg for an easy single
32.4 Murphy to Oram, no run, forward, driven straight back to the bowler
on the off side of the pitch
32.5 Murphy to Oram, OUT: Oram goes for one too many big hits too soon,
trying to swing Murphy away through midwicket, gets a top edge
that goes straight up in the air, Streak easily lines it up from
wide midwicket, taking the catch with ease at mid on
New Zealand 163/4, Partnership of 28
JDP Oram c Streak b Murphy 21 (19b 2x4 1x6)
SP Fleming 42* (63b 4x4) BA Murphy 8.5-0-39-2 (3w)
a very useful cameo, including a couple of great strokes, but Oram
didn't really need to lash after everything, there's still plenty
of time remaining
his dismissal brings to the crease another reputed big hitter,
though of limited effectiveness in his One-Day International
career thus far, Craig McMillan
32.6 Murphy to McMillan, no run, pushes through a useful quicker, flat
ball, slides straight on to the front pad on a line of off stump,
big appeal for lbw, but a shake of the head from umpire Bowden
End of over 33 (6 runs) New Zealand 163/4 (RR: 4.94)
BA Murphy 9-0-39-2 (3w) - Dominion Road End
SP Fleming 42* (63b 4x4) CD McMillan 0* (1b)
replays suggest McMillan was a might bit lucky to get away with his
wicket from that first up delivery, it looked a very useful shout
indeed
33.1 Whittall to Fleming, no run, firmly pushed back on the leg side of
the pitch to Whittall
33.2 Whittall to Fleming, one run, driven low in the air safely through
vacant mid on, down to Carlisle at long on
33.3 Whittall to McMillan, no run, has an ugly heave, inside edging away
to Rennie at midwicket, looking to play through the covers
33.4 Whittall to McMillan, one run, turned away off the legs through
backward square leg, Friend quickly in to field from long leg, too
much hesitation from the batsmen to try on for a second run
33.5 Whittall to Fleming, one run, full ball, driven straight down to
Carlisle at long on
33.6 Whittall to McMillan, no run, mistimed straight drive up to mid off
End of over 34 (3 runs) New Zealand 166/4 (RR: 4.88)
GJ Whittall 4-0-16-1 - Sandringham Road End
SP Fleming 44* (66b 4x4) CD McMillan 1* (4b)
34.1 Murphy to Fleming, no run, pushes forward and misses a lovely
flighted ball outside off stump, turning past the outside edge,
never fully committed to the stroke
34.2 Murphy to Fleming, OUT: but yet again, very next ball Zimbabwe nab
their man, driving, spoons it straight back to Murphy at a
comfortable catching height, and off he walks
New Zealand 166/5, Partnership of 3
SP Fleming c & b Murphy 44 (68b 4x4 0x6)
CD McMillan 1* (4b) BA Murphy 9.2-0-39-3 (3w)
a great double blow by Zimbabwe, Murphy bowling very well again
here, not afraid to throw it up and has received amply reward as a
result
with two wickets falling in quick succession, this is a great
chance to slow down the momentum, just when New Zealand were
steadying the ship to build up the rate quickly very shortly
Chris Harris the new batsman, who tends to look rather scratchy to
begin with, and could chew through a fair number of balls before
getting truly underway
34.3 Murphy to Harris, no run, straight, flatter ball, turns down to
Streak at shortish midwicket
34.4 Murphy to Harris, three runs, flighted full, well glanced very fine
down the leg side, excellent running by McMillan to the danger
end, pumping the legs as fast as he could go, and makes it
comfortably in the end, to rapturous applause from a slightly
muzzled Eden Park crowd
34.5 Murphy to McMillan, no run, cuts down on a very flat, quick ball
sliding on very low, Flower takes and immediately jumps up for the
catch behind, Murphy joins in, but umpire Bowden will have nothing
of it, turning away to look elsewhere
34.6 Murphy to McMillan, one run, flighted full, driven down to Viljoen
at long on
End of over 35 (4 runs) New Zealand 170/5 (RR: 4.86)
BA Murphy 10-0-43-3 (3w) - Dominion Road End
CD McMillan 2* (6b) CZ Harris 3* (2b)
that ends a very good spell of 10 overs from Murphy, taking 3-43
35.1 Whittall to McMillan, no run, shortish straight ball, shuffles
across the crease to work it away to Carlisle at shortish
midwicket
35.2 Whittall to McMillan, no run, quicker ball from a back of a length,
tucks McMillan up trying to work it to leg, taken high on the back
pad, dropping down towards point, seaming back sharply
35.3 Whittall to McMillan, one run, full ball, well driven straight down
to Strang at straight long on
35.4 Whittall to Harris, no run, forward to a shortish ball, drops it
down to Streak at short midwicket
35.5 Whittall to Harris, one run, props forward, just leaning on it,
guiding away to vacant cover for an easy run with the shot as it's
placed between the two ring fielders
35.6 Whittall to McMillan, one run, tight ball on leg stump, worked away
towards midwicket, nippy single taken with the shot, Carlisle
picks up and swivels around, shying at the bowler's end, just
missing as McMillan was safely through
End of over 36 (3 runs) New Zealand 173/5 (RR: 4.81)
GJ Whittall 5-0-19-1 - Sandringham Road End
CD McMillan 4* (10b) CZ Harris 4* (4b)
Viljoen returns, replacing Murphy who has now bowled out his overs
36.1 Viljoen to McMillan, one run, flat ball on off stump, forced down
to Campbell at widish long off
36.2 Viljoen to Harris, no run, flat ball outside off stump, watchfully
pushed straight back down the wicket to Viljoen
36.3 Viljoen to Harris, no run, flighted up full and straight, again
defending back down the pitch to the bowler
36.4 Viljoen to Harris, no run, flighted full, firmly clipped straight
to Streak at wide midwicket
36.5 Viljoen to Harris, no run, turning down the leg side, has a little
nibble but misses, Flower whips off the bails and appeals half-
heartedly, always inside the crease
36.6 Viljoen to Harris, no run, flighted full, dug out from the toes
into the pitch, back up to the bowler who tosses it back to Flower
End of over 37 (1 run) New Zealand 174/5 (RR: 4.70)
DP Viljoen 6-0-29-0 - Dominion Road End
CD McMillan 5* (11b) CZ Harris 4* (9b)
time for the second drinks break, driven on to the field backwards
by Zimbabwean 12th man Douglas Marillier!
37.1 Whittall to McMillan, no run, squared around in defence on the
crease, seams sharply into the top of the pads, loud appeal for
lbw from Whittall but angling too far down leg
37.2 Whittall to McMillan, one run, forcefully driven down to Strang at
long on
37.3 Whittall to Harris, no run, props well forward in defence, dropping
it down in close on the off side
37.4 Whittall to Harris, no run, shortish rising ball, Harris closes the
face a little early, spooning it away towards midwicket, just
dropping short of Streak
37.5 Whittall to Harris, one run, low full toss, firmly punched up
towards wide mid off, Strang makes a good diving stop to his right
to prevent a boundary
37.6 Whittall to McMillan, no run, pushing forward, loses the bottom
hand off the handle as it is played away to extra cover
End of over 38 (2 runs) New Zealand 176/5 (RR: 4.63)
GJ Whittall 6-0-21-1 - Sandringham Road End
CZ Harris 5* (12b) CD McMillan 6* (14b)
38.1 Viljoen to Harris, no run, flighted full, driven down the ground to
Friend at long on, but Viljoen and McMillan get tangled, Viljoen
toppling McMillan over, and in the end by the time he recovers,
Harris has to send him back, no run!
Viljoen pats McMillan on the back, apologising, but the crowd start
chanting 'off! off! off!' in jest, rugby style
38.2 Viljoen to Harris, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
38.3 Viljoen to Harris, no run, guided away off the face to short third
man
38.4 Viljoen to Harris, two runs, sweetly driven out through vacant
point, Madondo around in the deep to field, Harris quickly back
for the second
38.5 Viljoen to Harris, one run, advances, driving a full ball down to
Friend at long on
38.6 Viljoen to McMillan, no run, charges down the pitch, plays a
cracking straight drive low to the deck, a missed caught and
bowled chance turns out to be a blessing in disguise, ricocheting
back on to the stumps
End of over 39 (3 runs) New Zealand 179/5 (RR: 4.59)
DP Viljoen 7-0-32-0 - Dominion Road End
CZ Harris 8* (17b) CD McMillan 6* (15b)
umpire Billy Bowden loses his feet from underneath himself, trying
to skip out of the way, falling flat on the ground to the crowd's
laughter, but not for long, as the third umpire is signalled for
as Zimbabwe appeal confidently
replays are clear, dragged back on to the stumps from the hand,
Harris well out of his ground backing up, and the red light sends
him on his way
New Zealand 179/6, Partnership of 13
CZ Harris run out (Viljoen) 8 (17b 0x4 0x6)
a piece of good fortune for Zimbabwe, and the irony of it all is
that the batsman striking was McMillan, who couldn't get either of
two decisions in games one and two as a bowler to go his way from
the third umpire!
Adam Parore the new batsman
39.1 Whittall to Parore, two runs, low full toss, driven down to wide
long on, good running to get back for the second on Strang's throw
from the deep
39.2 Whittall to Parore, no run, another low full toss, stroked straight
up to Rennie at mid off this time
39.3 Whittall to Parore, one run, back cut through backward point down
to third man
39.4 Whittall to McMillan, no run, tries to run it away also, but plays
it straight to backward point where Murphy fields
39.5 Whittall to McMillan, one run, goes for a big shot over the covers,
gets a thick outside edge that flies down to third man, bouncing
just short of Viljoen who is having the 'heat' applied to him from
the vicious terrace crowd behind him
we can't repeat what exactly their favourite chant is, as we're
trying to cater to a family audience online, but Hadlee received a
fair bit of this one whilst in Australia ...
39.6 Whittall to Parore, no run, plays and misses outside off stump,
Flower fumbling the take behind him
End of over 40 (4 runs) New Zealand 183/6 (RR: 4.57)
GJ Whittall 7-0-25-1 - Sandringham Road End
CD McMillan 7* (17b) AC Parore 3* (4b)
40.1 Viljoen to McMillan, no run, very fast and flat, tries to sweep but
taken low on the pad, big appeal for lbw but pitched outside the
line of leg stump, rebounds away to backward point
40.2 Viljoen to McMillan, one run, sweeps, getting an inside edge into
the pad, dropping away to vacant square leg for an easy single
40.3 Viljoen to Parore, no run, shuffles back to a shorter ball angling
in on leg stump, drops down at his feet from the pad, stifled
appeal from Viljoen
40.4 Viljoen to Parore, one run, sweeps strongly, but straight out to
Rennie at deep backward square leg
40.5 Viljoen to McMillan, SIX, another fast, full and flat ball,
McMillan preps himself suitably in time, sending this one sailing
over the midwicket boundary, dragging it a long way from outside
off stump, very unorthodox but effective
40.6 Viljoen to McMillan, one run, tries the reverse lap, but doesn't
get on to it, a bit of wood on to it before rebounding away from
the pad towards point for a quick run
End of over 41 (9 runs) New Zealand 192/6 (RR: 4.68)
DP Viljoen 8-0-41-0 - Dominion Road End
CD McMillan 15* (21b 1x6) AC Parore 4* (6b)
41.1 Whittall to McMillan, one run, shortish ball, tapped down in close
on the leg side, good quick single taken with the shot, Carlisle
can't get in quick enough to prevent it
41.2 Whittall to Parore, one run, dabbed away forward of point, wide of
Murphy for a quick single
41.3 Whittall to McMillan, one run, firmly stroked up towards wide mid
off, good quick single taken with the shot as Rennie has to field
it to his left
41.4 Whittall to Parore, no run, driven straight to Streak at extra
cover
41.5 Whittall to Parore, one run, driven up towards Rennie at mid off,
another good quick single extracted with the shot
41.6 Whittall to McMillan, FOUR, oh the sheer audacity of it! lines up
the reverse lap from the medium pacer, and he gets away with it,
getting it very fine, down to the boundary in front of the
sightscreen, you can't set a field for that
End of over 42 (8 runs) New Zealand 200/6 (RR: 4.76)
GJ Whittall 8-0-33-1 - Sandringham Road End
AC Parore 6* (9b) CD McMillan 21* (24b 1x4 1x6)
McMillan wants to show Andy Flower's not the only one in the
business who can play that shot, though it must be said that his
counterpart is far more convincing by and large
that brings up the New Zealand 200 off 253 balls, in any case
42.1 Viljoen to Parore, one run, swept firmly around the corner to short
fine leg, good quick run taken by McMillan to the danger end
42.2 Viljoen to McMillan, one run, worked away to vacant square leg for
an easy run
42.3 Viljoen to Parore, no run, flighted full outside off stump, digs it
out back on the off side of the pitch, Streak in to field from the
covers
42.4 Viljoen to Parore, no run, sweeps, gets it very fine to short fine
leg, McMillan calls through for another quick run but Parore is on
the back foot this time, struggles to the bowler's end, wisely the
throw is fired straight there, Viljoen whips off the bails and
he's gone by a
country mile, umpire Bowden gives the nod, but then suddenly goes
to the third umpire replay, bizarre call, he's out by a fair few
inches, didn't even slide the bat, but the predictable red light
result at last comes back upon one quick viewing
New Zealand 202/7, Partnership of 23
AC Parore run out (Whittall) 7 (12b 0x4 0x6)
a silly run, just as this pair were rebuilding things, now New
Zealand are in danger of not batting out their overs, despite a
good clip being maintained
Scott Styris the new batsman
42.5 Viljoen to McMillan, one run, swept away through backward square
leg, Whittall gives chase from the circle edge a bit finer
42.6 Viljoen to Styris, no run, driven firmly straight to midwicket
End of over 43 (3 runs) New Zealand 203/7 (RR: 4.72)
DP Viljoen 9-0-44-0 - Dominion Road End
CD McMillan 23* (26b 1x4 1x6) SB Styris 0* (1b)
Streak returns to the bowling attack, replacing Whittall who
conceded 8 from his last over
43.1 Streak to McMillan, no run, tight straight ball, squared around in
defence back down the pitch
43.2 Streak to McMillan, FOUR, overpitched angling down the leg side,
turned into a low full toss and gets the treatment, well turned
away through backward square leg, using all the pace of the
delivery to sent it racing away to the shortish boundary, no
chance for Friend at long leg
43.3 Streak to McMillan, one run, plays it more orthodoxly off the hip,
down to Friend at long leg this time around, Streak getting his
length, if not line, a little better
43.4 Streak to Styris, one run, shortish ball, turned off the hip to
vacant square leg, a loud early yell of 'no!' from McMillan as
Styris looks for the second, but Friend fumbles coming in to field
from long leg, then sends in a shocking throw to the keeper to
boot
43.5 Streak to McMillan, wide: no run, poor wide ball down the leg side,
McMillan in no place to get anywhere near it, accepts the gift run
43.5 Streak to McMillan, no run, straight ball on middle and leg,
sweetly clipped but straight to Carlisle at wide midwicket, Styris
has to quickly turn back into his crease as a throw is threatened
to be sent his way
43.6 Streak to McMillan, one run, short ball angling down the leg side,
tries to flick it away, gets a little bit of the handle on to it,
flicks the thigh, through to Flower diving to his left, just
failing to haul it in, baubling out of the gloves as Styris scoots
through for the run
End of over 44 (8 runs) New Zealand 211/7 (RR: 4.80)
HH Streak 7-1-25-1 (4w 1nb) - Sandringham Road End
CD McMillan 29* (31b 2x4 1x6) SB Styris 1* (2b)
44.1 Viljoen to McMillan, no run, fast, flat and full on off stump,
mistimed clunky drive back on the off side of the pitch, Streak in
to field from extra cover
44.2 Viljoen to McMillan, no run, advances down the pitch, looking to
crash it through the covers, smacks it straight into the turf and
dribbles out to Streak at extra cover
44.3 Viljoen to McMillan, FOUR, if he can't get them through the covers,
he'll look elsewhere, reels out a reverse paddle, a full toss is
helped on its way very fine down the leg side, Strang chases hard
from short fine leg, but the ball wins the race as he slides into
the ropes
44.4 Viljoen to McMillan, SIX, OK, back to straight down the ground
again, flighted up, cracking lofted straight drive, pounded back
over Viljoen's head, and just missing the sightscreen, the crowd
are alight once more
44.5 Viljoen to McMillan, two runs, angling on leg side, worked out
through wide midwicket, good running for the second as Madondo's
around to field in the deep
44.6 Viljoen to McMillan, one run, flighted full outside off stump,
driven down to Campbell at long off
End of over 45 (13 runs) New Zealand 224/7 (RR: 4.98)
DP Viljoen 10-0-57-0 - Dominion Road End
CD McMillan 42* (37b 3x4 2x6) SB Styris 1* (2b)
13 off Viljoen's final over, not a happy departure from the bowling
crease as McMillan tucked well and truly in after a couple of
early misses
with 5 overs remaining New Zealand are still in prime position to
notch up something in the vicinity of 260-270 if they play their
cards right, despite the advancement of wickets lost
Whittall returns, replacing Streak after just one over
45.1 Whittall to McMillan, one run, floated full, firmly driven down to
straight long off
45.2 Whittall to Styris, one run, slower ball on off stump, tapped down
in close on the off side, good quick single taken with the shot as
three fielders have to charge in to the ball to no avail
45.3 Whittall to McMillan, one run, nudged up towards extra cover, very
tight single sprinted with the shot, Whittall dived across on his
follow through but couldn't quite grab it, Streak in from extra
cover underarms it at the bowler's end, just missing
45.4 Whittall to Styris, no run, good tight ball on off stump, plays
away on the off side, can't work a quick single from that one as
Whittall's races across to field off his own bowling
45.5 Whittall to Styris, one run, a bit shorter, stands tall on the
crease, strongly driving up to Rennie at long off
45.6 Whittall to McMillan, FOUR, steps down the track, plays a curious
flat-batted little number, but it does the trick, slapped away
through extra cover, slams into the advertising hoardings at a
great rate of knots
End of over 46 (8 runs) New Zealand 232/7 (RR: 5.04)
GJ Whittall 9-0-41-1 - Sandringham Road End
SB Styris 3* (5b) CD McMillan 48* (40b 4x4 2x6)
Bryan Strang returns after a very expensive early spell, replacing
Viljoen who has bowled out
the field is wide spread now, deep men at backward square leg,
midwicket, long on, long off and cover, nobody inside the circle
on the leg side except for short fine leg
46.1 Strang to Styris, one run, very full ball, dug out back past the
bowler, down to Viljoen at long on
46.2 Strang to McMillan, two runs, full ball, very cleverly worked away
to vacant midwicket, realising all the men in the deep are miles
away from it, McMillan sprints back for the second, diving home,
the replay is called for as a bullet-like throw comes in and
Flower whips off the
bails, but the replay shows him well home, and that's his 50,
spanked off just 41 balls, 4x4, 2x6, a fine innings
46.3 Strang to McMillan, one run, firmly driven down towards Friend at
long off, beats the diving Madondo trying to intercept from extra
cover
46.4 Strang to Styris, one run, down the pitch to a very full ball, just
squeezes it out from a bottom edge down to short fine leg, well
run quick single to the danger end by McMillan as Rennie fields
46.5 Strang to McMillan, one run, full toss outside off stump, strongly
cracked through extra cover, straight through Madondo's legs, but
Friend is in the deep to cover from wide long off
46.6 Strang to Styris, one run, full ball on off stump, goes for an
almighty heave over the top but it's too quickly on to him, drags
away an inside edge down to deep backward square leg to retain the
strike
End of over 47 (7 runs) New Zealand 239/7 (RR: 5.09)
BC Strang 5-0-35-0 - Dominion Road End
SB Styris 6* (8b) CD McMillan 52* (43b 4x4 2x6)
47.1 Whittall to Styris, two runs, full ball, strongly driven back over
the bowler's head, can't beat Carlisle sliding around the boundary
from long on to make a good save
47.2 Whittall to Styris, one run, turned away towards wide midwicket,
Strang fields but not before an easy single is taken
47.3 Whittall to McMillan, FOUR, angling down the leg side, goes for a
big heave over midwicket, getting a fine edge that runs too fine
for short fine leg to cut off, down to the vacant boundary
Streak rearranges his field, and as he does so, the batsmen get
together mid-pitch to have a bit of a tactical chat
47.4 Whittall to McMillan, two runs, full ball, driven firmly back past
the bowler, Styris hurries back to the danger end for a second,
looked to be well gone but Whittall leaves the return to see if it
hits direct, would've been well gone, but over the top
47.5 Whittall to McMillan, no run, very full ball, jammed back out down
the pitch to the bowler, well bowled
47.6 Whittall to McMillan, one run, similar again, this time McMillan
just manages to squeeze it away towards wide mid off for the
single
End of over 48 (10 runs) New Zealand 249/7 (RR: 5.19)
GJ Whittall 10-0-51-1 - Sandringham Road End
CD McMillan 59* (47b 5x4 2x6) SB Styris 9* (10b)
it seems Heath Streak has disappeared off the field, perhaps an
injury concern, as he isn't going to bowl out his overs, with
Whittall and Flower co-deputising
48.1 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, full outside off stump, lofted over extra
cover, one bounce just inside the boundary, the angle beats Friend
coming around to field from long off
that brings up the 50 partnership off just 33 balls!
and the 250 off 290 balls
48.2 Strang to McMillan, SIX, shot! stretches the front leg well down
the leg side, opening the body right up for an almighty hit,
sending Strang over wide long on
48.3 Strang to McMillan, one run, charges again, but it's a bit short
outside off stump, has to flat bat it down to long off
48.4 Strang to Styris, OUT: Styris tries his best to join in, but can
only spoon a top edge up towards the ever-shaky Madondo at extra
cover, shuffles around before taking the catch, juggling it once
before taking cleanly and then playing around with the crowd
New Zealand 260/8, Partnership of 58
SB Styris c Madondo b Strang 9 (11b 0x4 0x6)
CD McMillan 70* (50b 6x4 3x6) BC Strang 5.4-0-46-1
the batsmen cross however, giving McMillan the strike with just 8
balls left - what more damage can he wreck on this hapless
Zimbabwean final overs attack?
James Franklin joins him at the other end, not a bad number 10 to
have sitting waiting in the hutch
48.5 Strang to McMillan, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cuts
and misses, Flower whips off the bails as McMillan nearly topples
over, but just keeps the back foot anchored
48.6 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, full down the leg side, neatly turned
away through backward square leg, short fine leg is far too fine
to do anything about that one, the boundary is minute in that
corner pocket
End of over 49 (15 runs) New Zealand 264/8 (RR: 5.39)
BC Strang 6-0-50-1 - Dominion Road End
JEC Franklin 0* (0b) CD McMillan 74* (52b 7x4 3x6)
McMillan playing probably his best ever One-Day International
innings here, the quality of the hitting has been superb
Heath Streak rematerialises, in time to bowl the final over
49.1 Streak to Franklin, one run, excellent full ball, but Franklin just
manages to jam it away backward of point and get the key man back
on strike
49.2 Streak to McMillan, one run, another good full ball, McMillan can
only forcefully drive it down to wide long off, holding the hand
up, telling Franklin not to sacrifice his wicket for the sake of
the strike
49.3 Streak to Franklin, OUT: a beauty! perfect yorker, Franklin has no
answer, off stump is well and truly rattled, the only positive for
Franklin is that he now has an ODI batting average ...
New Zealand 266/9, Partnership of 6
JEC Franklin b Streak 1 (2b 0x4 0x6)
CD McMillan 75* (53b 7x4 3x6) HH Streak 7.3-1-27-2 (4w 1nb)
Paul Wiseman the final batsman, three balls remaining, this
presents Streak with the golden opportunity of stopping McMillan's
rocket blasting innings in its tracks, with a maximum of two
legitimate deliveries available to him
49.4 Streak to Wiseman, two runs, low full toss outside off stump,
tapped away through cover, well placed short of the man in the
deep and there's time for a snappy two, McMillan content to stay
off strike!
49.5 Streak to Wiseman, FOUR, who needs McMillan? they have Wiseman!
drives at a full ball outside off stump, running it away through
the well guarded short third man area - one fine one there, and
one at backward point, beats both of them and away to the
boundary!
49.6 Streak to Wiseman, one run, full ball, driven down to long off,
McMillan wants a red inker, telling Wiseman not to come for the
second as the return is fired back
End of over 50 (9 runs) New Zealand 273/9 (RR: 5.46)
HH Streak 8-1-34-2 (4w 1nb) - Sandringham Road End
PJ Wiseman 7* (3b 1x4) CD McMillan 75* (53b 7x4 3x6)
and there ends an exhausting final 10 overs, with 90 runs coming
from them, including 70 off the last 7, McMillan was at his
awesome best, a sight rarely seen in ODIs, but a welcome one as
the other bats didn't quite come to the party in support
none of the lower order reached double figures, but hung around for
fine support, as wickets fell a bit too quickly in the middle
stanza for their liking
much of that credit can be handed to Brian Murphy, who bowled a
tantalising spell of leg spin, not always successful when he
should've been, but got due reward in the end
a curious statistical note to come from the final over is that New
Zealand's number 11 batsman Paul Wiseman now averages 43 with the
bat in ODIs - the highest of the entire team!
it was a curious effort by New Zealand today, Astle and Fleming
looking likely, but getting out short of fifties, Twose and Oram
came in and played very aggressive cameos, probably a bit early in
the piece to be doing so, but McMillan's assault saved all
a stiff target of 274 off 50 overs at 5.48 per over has been set
for Zimbabwe, not impossible given the dimensions of the ground,
but realistically it's going to take one or two mighty knocks in
the vein of McMillan's to get them close
the chase will resume in just under 45 minutes at 2:45pm local time
(0145 GMT)
Match State: Innings break
the players return after a long lunch, Zimbabwe were nothing if not
efficient in getting through their overs
James Franklin will open the bowling, with Alistair Campbell on
strike, Trevor Madondo at the other end
0.1 Franklin to Campbell, no run, short ball, pulled down to Sinclair
who fields well down to his left at square leg, all sorts of
confusion in the running between wickets, Madondo charges down the
pitch, only to be sent back, but the throw is well on its way,
Franklin breaks the stump
and Madondo is on his way, run out without facing a ball, first
ball of the Zimbabwe reply, the crowd go absolutely wild, what a
start!
Zimbabwe 0/1, Partnership of 0
TN Madondo run out (Sinclair) 0 (0b 0x4 0x6)
Stuart Carlisle the new batsman, at the non-striker's end
0.2 Franklin to Campbell, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
firmly away to Oram at cover, the crowd loudly yell 'run! run!' as
a result of the previous ball, but Carlisle's a little wiser
0.3 Franklin to Campbell, no run, good quick ball seaming back in to
Campbell, well beaten outside off stump, came back to brush the
back leg through to Parore, up go the crowd again, but Parore
never really asked the question
0.4 Franklin to Campbell, wide: no run, short and rising but well down
the leg side, umpire Bowden signals the wide while the crowd once
more get a tad overexcited, the atmosphere ain't half hot ma'am
right now
0.4 Franklin to Campbell, one run, shortish ball, tucked off the hip
down to Wiseman at fine leg, at last underway from the blade
0.5 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, super quick ball outside off stump,
pitched on a back of a length and rising very high, Carlisle tried
to cut, but it was very tight and very short, silly shot, plays
and misses by a country mile
0.6 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, straight ball on middle and leg,
defends firmly back on the leg side of the pitch for Franklin to
scoop up on his follow through to a strong round of applause
End of over 1 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 2/1 (RR: 2.00 RRR: 272/49 = 5.55)
JEC Franklin 1-0-2-0 (1w) - Dominion Road End
ADR Campbell 1* (4b) SV Carlisle 0* (2b)
Scott Styris to open up from the other end
1.1 Styris to Campbell, no run, not a bad'un first up, angling a mile
in from outside off stump, rapped high on the pads, huge appeal
for lbw from Styris but umpire Cowie has none of it, too high and
struck marginally outside the line, angling a long way back
1.2 Styris to Campbell, wide: FOUR, short and wide down the leg side,
Campbell tries to pull but misses, as does Parore, slips through
him and away to the boundary in front of the sightscreen
1.2 Styris to Campbell, no run, props forward in defence to a better
line and length delivery outside off stump, played back on the off
side of the pitch
1.3 Styris to Campbell, no run, shortish ball on off stump, dead bats
it down on the off side of the pitch once more
1.4 Styris to Campbell, no run, pushing forward in defence outside off
stump, slides one past the outside edge nicely through to Parore,
using the angle back in well
1.5 Styris to Campbell, no run, shortish straight ball, fends it down
towards square leg
1.6 Styris to Campbell, wide: no run, short and wide down the leg side,
again pulls, again misses, this time Parore does glove it
comfortably to his right however
1.6 Styris to Campbell, no run, props well forward in defence, dropping
it down in close on the off side of the pitch
End of over 2 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 8/1 (RR: 4.00 RRR: 266/48 = 5.54)
SB Styris 1-0-6-0 (2w) - Sandringham Road End
SV Carlisle 0* (2b) ADR Campbell 1* (10b)
2.1 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, angling across the right hander
outside off stump, leaves well alone, Franklin once more knocks
off the bails at the bowler's end in his delivery stride
2.2 Franklin to Carlisle, legbye: one run, shortish ball angling on leg
stump, awkwardly turned away off the thigh pad down to Styris at
fine leg
2.3 Franklin to Campbell, no run, short, sharp rising ball on off
stump, Campbell tries to force it away through the covers from the
back foot but it climbs a bit much on him, no power in the stroke
as it's played down to Oram at cover
2.4 Franklin to Campbell, one run, much fuller ball, powerfully cracked
in the air back down the track, Franklin snatches at it but can't
hold on to a sharp caught and bowled chance, but as he drops it,
it nearly falls down on to the stumps with Carlisle stranded, just
missing
they nab a quick run as it dribbles up towards mid on
2.5 Franklin to Carlisle, FOUR, overpitched on the legs, neatly clipped
away through backward square leg, no protection there on this
oddly shaped ground, fine leg's a mile away
2.6 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, squared around by a good rising
straight ball, deflects from the thigh pad through to the keeper
End of over 3 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 14/1 (RR: 4.67 RRR: 260/47 = 5.53)
JEC Franklin 2-0-7-0 (1w) - Dominion Road End
ADR Campbell 2* (12b) SV Carlisle 4* (6b 1x4)
3.1 Styris to Campbell, OUT: drives, misses, good night off stump,
Campbell plays all around a full ball, Styris using the width on
the crease effectively, through the gate and the off pole is send
flying out of its hole
Zimbabwe 14/2, Partnership of 14
ADR Campbell b Styris 2 (13b 0x4 0x6)
SV Carlisle 4* (6b 1x4) SB Styris 1.1-0-6-1 (2w)
Andy Flower the new batsman, Zimbabwe right back on their heels at
the moment, both openers dismissed in quick fashion, Campbell
following up his ton at Wellington with a right failure here
3.2 Styris to Flower, FOUR, shortish ball on off stump, neatly uses all
the pace of the ball, getting over it and guiding it away forward
of Harris at point, Oram chases from cover, giving up for personal
safety reasons as it's too well timed into the boundary, a fine
start
3.3 Styris to Flower, wide: no run, Styris once more strays down the
leg side, mixing the very good with the very bad, Parore takes low
down
3.3 Styris to Flower, no run, good length straight ball, Flower looks
to work it to leg but misses, taken high on the pad, dropping
stone cold in close on the leg side
3.4 Styris to Flower, no run, tidy ball on off stump, dead bat defends
it in close square on the off side
3.5 Styris to Flower, no run, props forward in defence, played away to
Fleming at shortish point
3.6 Styris to Flower, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, guided
down to Twose at third man from the face
End of over 4 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 20/2 (RR: 5.00 RRR: 254/46 = 5.52)
SB Styris 2-0-12-1 (3w) - Sandringham Road End
A Flower 5* (5b 1x4) SV Carlisle 4* (6b 1x4)
4.1 Franklin to Flower, no run, quick and full on the legs,
overbalances trying to work it into the leg side, taken full on
the pads, Franklin quickly up to field on his follow through
4.2 Franklin to Flower, FOUR, superbly driven through cover point,
pretty full, played slightly on the up but always with the sugary
sweet timing we've come accustomed to expecting from the class
blade of Andy Flower
4.3 Franklin to Flower, FOUR, Franklin gets the leg side blues now too,
short and angling away, Flower does mind it there at all, deftly
flicked fine, too quick for Wiseman at fine leg
4.4 Franklin to Flower, FOUR, three from three, wonderfully well driven
between Harris and Oram in the covers, a simple collection job
this one
4.5 Franklin to Flower, no run, full ball, turned directly to Sinclair
at point
4.6 Franklin to Flower, two runs, full ball outside off stump, driven
through the covers once more, this time simply leaned on it, Oram
gives chase and overhauls near the boundary
End of over 5 (14 runs) Zimbabwe 34/2 (RR: 6.80 RRR: 240/45 = 5.33)
JEC Franklin 3-0-21-0 (1w) - Dominion Road End
SV Carlisle 4* (6b 1x4) A Flower 19* (11b 4x4)
5.1 Styris to Carlisle, no run, straightish ball on off stump, Carlisle
looks to whip it through the leg side, into the pads and back down
the pitch
5.2 Styris to Carlisle, no run, watchfully stretches forward in
defence, dropping it down towards cover point, Harris across to
field
5.3 Styris to Carlisle, no run, a wild swish and miss outside off
stump, never the length to go for that one in the manner he chose,
drifted away from the pitch what's more, reached a long way for it
5.4 Styris to Carlisle, no run, much straighter, slightly fuller, but
the end result is the same, Carlisle driving and missing
5.5 Styris to Carlisle, no run, forward, nudges it away towards Harris
at backward point
5.6 Styris to Carlisle, no run, short rising ball on off stump, defends
down towards point, Flower is keen on a quick run but is sent back
as a hurried shy comes at the bowler's end, missing, always back
safely in any case
End of over 6 (maiden) Zimbabwe 34/2 (RR: 5.67 RRR: 240/44 = 5.45)
SB Styris 3-1-12-1 (3w) - Sandringham Road End
A Flower 19* (11b 4x4) SV Carlisle 4* (12b 1x4)
and that completes just the second maiden of the match
6.1 Franklin to Flower, one run, angling down the leg side, helped on
its way down to Wiseman at fine leg
6.2 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, straight ball, quietly pushed up to
McMillan at mid on
6.3 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, full ball outside off stump, strongly
driven straight up to Twose at mid off, parries it down in front
of him just to make sure he stops the awkwardly bouncing ball
safely
6.4 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, beaten! driving and missing outside
off stump, angling across the right hander, drifted away from the
outside edge through to the keeper
6.5 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
goes for a huge slash at it, it flies very quickly towards Astle
at second slip, leapt up and grabbed it but couldn't hang on,
dropping it down at his feet, no time for a second chance
a chance, an albeit very sharp one, goes down, the crowd give
appreciative applause upon seeing a replay, it was marginally
tough, travelling at high speed
6.6 Franklin to Carlisle, FOUR, Carlisle makes Franklin pay the very
next ball, overpitched outside off stump and very nicely driven
back past the bowler to the vacant long off boundary
End of over 7 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 39/2 (RR: 5.57 RRR: 235/43 = 5.47)
JEC Franklin 4-0-26-0 (1w) - Dominion Road End
A Flower 20* (12b 4x4) SV Carlisle 8* (17b 2x4)
7.1 Styris to Flower, no run, floated slower ball outside off stump,
pitched up full, driven firmly but straight to Wiseman at mid off
7.2 Styris to Flower, no run, full outside off stump again, this time
Flower mistimes the drive completely, rolls away into the covers
for Oram to deal with
7.3 Styris to Flower, FOUR, another slower one, but this is a sitting
duck, a half tracker and Flower easily dispatches, pulling it
around the corner to the vacant fine leg boundary
7.4 Styris to Flower, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, caressed
away to Oram at cover point
7.5 Styris to Flower, one run, driving at a much straighter ball,
inside edgily plays it away to vacant square leg, Franklin races
in from deep square to field before there's a sneaky second
contemplated
7.6 Styris to Carlisle, one run, driving outside off stump, runs a
thick outside edge down to Franklin at third man
End of over 8 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 45/2 (RR: 5.62 RRR: 229/42 = 5.45)
SB Styris 4-1-18-1 (3w) - Sandringham Road End
SV Carlisle 9* (18b 2x4) A Flower 25* (17b 5x4)
8.1 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, good tight ball on middle and off,
defends watchfully down into the covers directly to Oram
8.2 Franklin to Carlisle, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, chopped
away through cover point, one has the feeling Franklin's spell
will be soon coming to an end - just not quite getting it right
today
8.3 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, much tighter ball on off stump,
played down to Oram, the sole man in the cover region
8.4 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, quick and full, strongly jammed out
up to McMillan, the slightly inebriated portion of the crowd go up
and then down as Franklin's out-thrust right arm misses a supposed
caught and bowled chance
8.5 Franklin to Carlisle, no run, full outside off stump, strongly
slashed square directly to Harris at point
8.6 Franklin to Carlisle, OUT: well, take that, says Franklin! perhaps
he wants another over after all, does to Carlisle what Styris did
to Campbell, used the angle to his advantage, this time across
rather than into the batsman, Carlisle hops on the crease to push
at one
Zimbabwe 49/3, Partnership of 35
SV Carlisle b Franklin 13 (24b 3x4 0x6)
End of over 9 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 49/3 (RR: 5.44 RRR: 225/41 = 5.49)
JEC Franklin 5-0-30-1 (1w) - Dominion Road End
A Flower 25* (17b 5x4)
that straightens from the seam, dragging a small inside edge back
on to off stump, which is sent out of its foundation
Zimbabwe up with the scoring rate, but too many wickets down so
soon
Gavin Rennie the new batsman
9.1 Styris to Flower, no run, driving outside off stump, runs it away
from the face to Harris at backward point, bends down to field it,
kicking it away with his knee, but straight to Oram in the covers,
no runs conceded
9.2 Styris to Flower, one run, driven square once more, this time just
forward of point, good quick run taken with the shot, Oram across
to his right and fires in a powerful throw at the keeper's end,
wide of the stumps, Rennie always safely home
that brings up the Zimbabwe 50 off 56 balls
9.3 Styris to Rennie, OUT: dear oh dear, Zimbabwe folding like a deck
of cards, Rennie joins Madondo, the diamond duckman, with a golden
one of his own, running an edge away, not realising a slip's in
place, straight to Fleming who takes the easiest of catches
Zimbabwe 50/4, Partnership of 1
GJ Rennie c Fleming b Styris 0 (1b 0x4 0x6)
A Flower 26* (19b 5x4) SB Styris 4.3-1-19-2 (3w)
Guy Whittall the new batsman
9.4 Styris to Whittall, no run, hops on the crease to a straight ball
on off stump, doesn't quite climb as high as expected and plays
down on it, inside edges into the pad, just dropping it as his
feet, not the most convincing of starts
9.5 Styris to Whittall, no run, driving outside off stump, runs a thick
edge along the ground to Harris' left at backward point, who pulls
off a super save to the raucous cheers of this rather happy crowd
at the moment
9.6 Styris to Whittall, no run, firmly pushed back down the pitch,
Styris gets a finger to it, almost rolling it back on to the
stumps at the bowler's end, Flower forced to dive back into his
crease, but it just rolls past
End of over 10 (1 run) Zimbabwe 50/4 (RR: 5.00 RRR: 224/40 = 5.60)
SB Styris 5-1-19-2 (3w) - Sandringham Road End
A Flower 26* (19b 5x4) GJ Whittall 0* (3b)
10.1 Franklin to Flower, no run, good full ball on off stump, dug out
into the covers, Astle darts across to field from shortish cover
point
10.2 Franklin to Flower, no run, walks well forward into a defensive
stroke to a tight ball on off stump, rolls back down the pitch
past Franklin on his follow through, Flower partially eager for a
quick run but mid off and mid on are quickly in to field
10.3 Franklin to Flower, no run, another good tight ball on his toes,
strongly driven up the ground but can't beat the tumble'n'roll
save of Twose from mid on
10.4 Franklin to Flower, no run, forward to a shortish ball on off
stump, guides it down to Harris at backward point
10.5 Franklin to Flower, no run, full ball on off stump, firmly stroked
square on the off side, Astle makes a good stop to his right at
short cover point, the New Zealanders can't do anything wrong in
the field at present
10.6 Franklin to Flower, no run, short ball outside off stump, has a
wafty wave as it climbs past the outside edge through to the
keeper, never convincingly approached by Flower, who is also now
starting to join in the Zimbabwean jitters
End of over 11 (maiden) Zimbabwe 50/4 (RR: 4.55 RRR: 224/39 = 5.74)
JEC Franklin 6-1-30-1 (1w) - Dominion Road End
GJ Whittall 0* (3b) A Flower 26* (25b 5x4)
a maiden for Franklin, New Zealand turning the screws with just
five runs and two wickets coming from the last three overs
11.1 Styris to Whittall, two runs, overpitched slower ball outside off
stump, driven through cover point without too much power or timing
behind it, Oram escorts it towards the boundary before overhauling
just inside
11.2 Styris to Whittall, no run, well forward to a full ball, watchfully
stroked straight back to the bowler
11.3 Styris to Whittall, one run, shortish ball angling down the leg
side, glanced quietly off the hip down to short fine leg, Twose up
from fine leg to field
11.4 Styris to Flower, no run, angling down the leg side, brushes the
pad and goes fine but Parore's early on to it, preventing any leg
byes with ease
11.5 Styris to Flower, no run, stretches well forward in defence, dead
batting it down in close on the off side of the pitch
11.6 Styris to Flower, no run, pushing forward in defence, seams into
the top of the back pad as he fails to sight it, dropping down
into the boot and accidentally hoofs it back down the pitch to
Styris
End of over 12 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 53/4 (RR: 4.42 RRR: 221/38 = 5.82)
SB Styris 6-1-22-2 (3w) - Sandringham Road End
GJ Whittall 3* (6b) A Flower 26* (28b 5x4)
the first bowling change comes after 12 overs, Jacob Oram on for
Franklin
12.1 Oram to Whittall, no run, stretches well forward down the pitch to
a straight ball, compactly defending back to Oram
12.2 Oram to Whittall, no run, full ball outside off stump, Whittall is
forward then across to it, strongly driven straight to Astle at
cover
12.3 Oram to Whittall, no run, well forward, defends back down the
wicket to Oram
12.4 Oram to Whittall, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends down
towards Harris at point
12.5 Oram to Whittall, no run, advances down the pitch early, but has to
stop in his tracks as Oram's on to it, digging it in shorter,
forced to defend from chest height down in close on the off side
of the pitch
12.6 Oram to Whittall, one run, a rather short ball on off stump, stands
tall to get over the top of it, guiding down to Wiseman at third
man
End of over 13 (1 run) Zimbabwe 54/4 (RR: 4.15 RRR: 220/37 = 5.95)
JDP Oram 1-0-1-0 - Dominion Road End
GJ Whittall 4* (12b) A Flower 26* (28b 5x4)
13.1 Styris to Whittall, no run, well forward to a full ball, stroked
directly to Fleming at short cover
13.2 Styris to Whittall, FOUR, short ball, sits up and asks to be hit,
Whittall obliges, pulling it well down through backward square
leg, Twose is slow to get underway from deep midwicket, but gears
into it, a big dive but not quick enough, over the rope she goes
13.3 Styris to Whittall, no run, forced back by a short ball, defends
straight back to the bowler
13.4 Styris to Whittall, no run, bizarre! Whittall goes for a huge shot
over the top but plays all around it, seams back ever so slightly
and somehow brushes off stump's outer coats of varnish, somehow
not dislodging a bail, through to the keeper
the crowd anguish twice upon watching a couple of replays, as,
unsurprisingly, does Styris!
13.5 Styris to Whittall, one run, angling on leg stump, turned away to
wide midwicket for an easy single with the stroke, Astle across to
field
13.6 Styris to Flower, no run, shortish ball that doesn't climb all that
much, watchfully defended with a straight bat from the crease,
straight back to Styris
End of over 14 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 59/4 (RR: 4.21 RRR: 215/36 = 5.97)
SB Styris 7-1-27-2 (3w) - Sandringham Road End
GJ Whittall 9* (17b 1x4) A Flower 26* (29b 5x4)
14.1 Oram to Whittall, no run, good tight ball on off stump, forces
Whittall back in his crease, defending towards McMillan at wide
midwicket
14.2 Oram to Whittall, no run, good straight ball on off stump again,
again shuffling back to defend, back to Oram
14.3 Oram to Whittall, FOUR, full ball, just drifting into the legs a
bit much, chips up well clear of McMillan at wide midwicket,
Franklin chases from mid on, but it has the gas and over the rope
it goes
14.4 Oram to Whittall, no run, hops back in the crease to a straight
ball, defending down to McMillan at wide midwicket
14.5 Oram to Whittall, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, sits on
the crease, laying it away down to Wiseman at third man
14.6 Oram to Flower, no run, walks forward in defence to a full ball on
off stump, firmly driven straight back to the bowler
End of over 15 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 64/4 (RR: 4.27 RRR: 210/35 = 6.00)
JDP Oram 2-0-6-0 - Dominion Road End
GJ Whittall 14* (22b 2x4) A Flower 26* (30b 5x4)
Zimbabwe's 15 overs with the fielding restrictions on elapse, now
12 runs (and 3 wickets) behind New Zealand in the comparison at
the same stage
15.1 Styris to Whittall, no run, straight ball on middle and leg, drops
down in close on the leg side from the pad
15.2 Styris to Whittall, no run, full ball, strongly driven along the
ground but straight up to McMillan at mid off
15.3 Styris to Whittall, OUT: fast and full, Whittall hits out in
frustration, picks the wrong ball to do that we're afraid,
straight through him, the angle once more doing it for Styris,
this one coming in from wider on the crease, flicking the pad,
straightening its
Zimbabwe 64/5, Partnership of 14
GJ Whittall b Styris 14 (25b 2x4 0x6)
A Flower 26* (30b 5x4) SB Styris 7.3-1-27-3 (3w)
course on to middle stump, played all around it
drinks are wheeled on upon the fall of the wicket, Dirk Viljoen the
new batsman entering the arena at the same time
it's all up to Andy Flower from here, realistically victory is a
forlorn sight somewhere beyond the horizon barring a miracle - the
required rate is above run a ball already
15.4 Styris to Viljoen, no run, shortish ball, forced back in the crease
to defend down into the off side
15.5 Styris to Viljoen, no run, stretches well forward to a full ball,
driven to Astle at cover
15.6 Styris to Viljoen, two runs, forward, tucked off the hip towards
backward square leg, good quick single taken with the shot,
Sinclair darts across and has a shy at the stumps on the fly, well
home in any case, sloppy stuff from Parore running in to the
stumps lets it through, an
End of over 16 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 66/5 (RR: 4.12 RRR: 208/34 = 6.12)
SB Styris 8-1-29-3 (3w) - Sandringham Road End
A Flower 26* (30b 5x4) DP Viljoen 2* (3b)
overthrow is conceded as Astle has to give chase from cover
16.1 Oram to Flower, one run, forward, drops it down in close on the off
side, good quick single taken with the shot as it's played well
short of Sinclair hovering at extra cover
16.2 Oram to Viljoen, one run, jabs forward in defence to a ball on off
stump, gloves it down into the top of the pads, the ball rolls
back in the vicinity of the stumps but Flower smartly calls
Viljoen through for the run, comfortably completed in the end, no
fielder within sight
16.3 Oram to Flower, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, looks to
run it down backward of point but gets a bottom edge, dragging it
back towards the stumps, through to Parore
16.4 Oram to Flower, no run, outside off stump, lays it away firmly to
Harris at backward point
16.5 Oram to Flower, one run, straight ball, worked away towards square
leg with bat/pad, easy single taken as it drops into space, Astle
smartly in from the deep to prevent a second
16.6 Oram to Viljoen, one run, short and quick outside off stump, hops
on the crease to run it down to Styris at third man
End of over 17 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 70/5 (RR: 4.12 RRR: 204/33 = 6.18)
JDP Oram 3-0-10-0 - Dominion Road End
DP Viljoen 4* (5b) A Flower 28* (34b 5x4)
on comes Craig McMillan, replacing Styris at the bowling crease
after a more than useful 3-29 from 8 overs in his opening stint
17.1 McMillan to Viljoen, FOUR, full outside off stump, drives strongly,
getting a thin edge to run quickly down through the vacant slips,
too quickly for Twose at a more regulation third man
17.2 McMillan to Viljoen, two runs, full outside off stump, guided away
through point, Oram chases it down from just backward of square
17.3 McMillan to Viljoen, no run, shorter ball outside off stump, shapes
to run it down to third man but quickly withdraws the bat as it's
not there for the shot
17.4 McMillan to Viljoen, no run, full ball outside off stump, squeezes
it down into the ground in close on the off side, sets off looking
for a quick run but it's never there, Flower stands his ground and
Viljoen heads back to safety
17.5 McMillan to Viljoen, no run, works a straight ball away to Astle at
wide midwicket, quickly back flicked to the bowler
17.6 McMillan to Viljoen, no run, good straight ball squares Viljoen
around in defence, dead batting it back down the pitch to McMillan
End of over 18 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 76/5 (RR: 4.22 RRR: 198/32 = 6.19)
CD McMillan 1-0-6-0 - Sandringham Road End
A Flower 28* (34b 5x4) DP Viljoen 10* (11b 1x4)
18.1 Oram to Flower, one run, shortish ball on off stump, taps it into
the ground towards cover, good quick run taken with the shot as
McMillan scoots in to field, not a favourable bounce, so doesn't
bother to have a shy
18.2 Oram to Viljoen, no run, full ball on off stump, dug back out down
the track to Oram smartly across to his left to field
18.3 Oram to Viljoen, one run, driving outside off stump, runs an edge
down to Styris at third man
18.4 Oram to Flower, one run, full outside off stump, driven sweetly
away to Sinclair at deep cover
18.5 Oram to Viljoen, no run, shortish ball, played firmly down to
Fleming at midwicket
18.6 Oram to Viljoen, two runs, short ball, swung away down through
backward square leg, Astle makes a lot of ground in the deep from
much squarer, firing in an accurate return but not before Viljoen
scoots back for the second
End of over 19 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 81/5 (RR: 4.26 RRR: 193/31 = 6.23)
JDP Oram 4-0-15-0 - Dominion Road End
A Flower 30* (36b 5x4) DP Viljoen 13* (15b 1x4)
19.1 McMillan to Flower, one run, full ball on the legs, turned out to
Sinclair at deep square leg
19.2 McMillan to Viljoen, no run, drives and misses outside off stump,
McMillan raises an arm, with no appeal backing it up, just happy
to see one convincingly beat the bat, almost brushes the off stump
through to Parore as well
19.3 McMillan to Viljoen, no run, tight ball angling in on off stump,
taps it back up towards Wiseman at mid off in defence
19.4 McMillan to Viljoen, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, the half
volley is confidently dispatched straight down the ground,
powerfully played past the diving Wiseman a little wider
19.5 McMillan to Viljoen, one run, runs it off the edge down to Twose at
third man
19.6 McMillan to Flower, one run, angling on leg stump, turned away out
to Sinclair coming in to field from deep square leg
End of over 20 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 88/5 (RR: 4.40 RRR: 186/30 = 6.20)
CD McMillan 2-0-13-0 - Sandringham Road End
A Flower 32* (38b 5x4) DP Viljoen 18* (19b 2x4)
20.1 Oram to Flower, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, lays it
away down to McMillan at third man
20.2 Oram to Viljoen, one run, full outside off stump, runs it away
similarly, just past the diving Harris to his right at backward
point, McMillan in action again
20.3 Oram to Flower, no run, coming around the wicket now, shortish ball
angling in on off stump, mistimes a pull shot down to Fleming
palming it down at his bootlaces at shortish midwicket
20.4 Oram to Flower, no run, overpitched, low full toss outside off
stump, fails to cash in, mistiming the drive straight to Styris at
extra cover
20.5 Oram to Flower, FOUR, takes one step down the track, turning it
into a pick up shot, and picks it up he does, very, very well,
over midwicket, one bounce and to the boundary, Astle's in the
deep but it's away before he barely has a chance to move
20.6 Oram to Flower, no run, shortish straight ball, defends down in
close on the leg side of the pitch
End of over 21 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 94/5 (RR: 4.48 RRR: 180/29 = 6.21)
JDP Oram 5-0-21-0 - Dominion Road End
DP Viljoen 19* (20b 2x4) A Flower 37* (43b 6x4)
21.1 McMillan to Viljoen, one run, full ball outside off stump, stroked
straight up to Wiseman at mid off, easy run taken with the shot,
terrible fielding by Wiseman allows it through his legs, they look
for a quick second but Flower stumbles over himself, landing on
his face trying to
turn
21.2 McMillan to Flower, one run, stroked away towards vacant cover for
an easy run
21.3 McMillan to Viljoen, one run, cut out to Oram at deep cover,
looking for a second as he holds on to it a bit long, Flower
charges forth but is sent back at the bowler's end, but the throw
goes to the keeper, who can't take it either
a bit of a comedy of partial errors
21.4 McMillan to Flower, one run, driven up towards mid off, quick
single taken with the shot as the shy at the bowler's end just
misses
21.5 McMillan to Viljoen, no run, straight ball, pushed straight back to
McMillan on his follow through
21.6 McMillan to Viljoen, one run, firmly nudged up towards mid on,
another quick'un with the shot as extra cover comes in, quietly
underarming it at the bowler's end but missing
End of over 22 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 99/5 (RR: 4.50 RRR: 175/28 = 6.25)
CD McMillan 3-0-18-0 - Sandringham Road End
DP Viljoen 22* (24b 2x4) A Flower 39* (45b 6x4)
Nathan Astle replaces Oram at the bowling crease
22.1 Astle to Viljoen, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
square driven but not past the good diving save of Harris at
backward point
22.2 Astle to Viljoen, one run, this time uses the ball to do the work,
running it away finer, down to McMillan at third man, bringing up
the Zimbabwe 100 off 134 balls
22.3 Astle to Flower, no run, firmly stroked straight up to Styris at
extra cover
22.4 Astle to Flower, one run, runs it away from the face down to
McMillan at third man
22.5 Astle to Viljoen, one run, sweetly driven through extra cover, good
work in the deep by Sinclair to get around to it so quickly steps
a second from being taken
22.6 Astle to Flower, one run, shortish ball angling away on off stump,
Flower somehow laps it around the corner, down to Wiseman at fine
leg, the man has recoiling springs for wrists
End of over 23 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 103/5 (RR: 4.48 RRR: 171/27 = 6.33)
NJ Astle 1-0-4-0 - Dominion Road End
A Flower 41* (48b 6x4) DP Viljoen 24* (27b 2x4)
a double bowling change, Paul Wiseman on for McMillan at the other
end
New Zealand not short of bowling options today, already into their
6th bowler and Chris Harris hasn't been required as of yet
23.1 Wiseman to Flower, two runs, shock horror surprise, a lap shot from
Flower to the off spinner first up, Franklin around from fine leg
to field
23.2 Wiseman to Flower, two runs, quell surprise once more, paddles away
a full ball through exactly the same place, Franklin in action
again
Fleming makes the fielding change, bringing himself in to short
fine leg, but this is a good ploy by Flower, he knows he can now
use the reverse lap - expect it next ball!
23.3 Wiseman to Flower, one run, and there we go! he gets it fine of
Twose at short third man, only a single this time
23.4 Wiseman to Viljoen, two runs, Viljoen isn't shy of lapping either,
gets this one down through short fine leg, Franklin getting a bit
puffed having to field from around at long leg
23.5 Wiseman to Viljoen, one run, pushes forward outside off stump,
running it off the face through backward point, Twose across from
short third man to field
23.6 Wiseman to Flower, FOUR, flighted full outside off stump, down the
pitch and well driven in the air safely through cover, Oram around
from deep point to no avail, and that's Flower's 50 off 52 balls,
7x4
End of over 24 (12 runs) Zimbabwe 115/5 (RR: 4.79 RRR: 159/26 = 6.12)
PJ Wiseman 1-0-12-0 - Sandringham Road End
DP Viljoen 27* (29b 2x4) A Flower 50* (52b 7x4)
it also brings up the 50 partnership in just 51 balls
the off spinner well dominated in that last over, runs off every
delivery, 12 off the over all told
24.1 Astle to Viljoen, no run, pushing forward in defence to a good
length ball on off stump, played back to the bowler
24.2 Astle to Viljoen, one run, strongly driven down to Franklin at
straight long off
24.3 Astle to Flower, one run, paddles it away, using the pace, down to
Wiseman at fine leg
24.4 Astle to Viljoen, one run, strongly punched through the covers to
Sinclair in the deep
the official crowd attendance is announced as 14,871, a pretty
useful number, certainly quite noisy, though kept quiet for now
24.5 Astle to Flower, one run, driven up through extra cover
24.6 Astle to Viljoen, one run, driven out to Sinclair at deep cover
again
End of over 25 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 120/5 (RR: 4.80 RRR: 154/25 = 6.16)
NJ Astle 2-0-9-0 - Dominion Road End
DP Viljoen 30* (33b 2x4) A Flower 52* (54b 7x4)
25.1 Wiseman to Viljoen, two runs, flighted up outside off stump, well
swept fine, Franklin once more required in the deep
25.2 Wiseman to Viljoen, one run, lapped yet again, ho hum, this time
directly to Franklin just for the single
25.3 Wiseman to Flower, FOUR, overtossed, juicy full toss, dispatched
through midwicket, a collection job for Sinclair
25.4 Wiseman to Flower, one run, swung away out to Sinclair at deep
midwicket
25.5 Wiseman to Viljoen, one run, props forward, tapped away towards
point, easy single as Twose has to field from short third man
25.6 Wiseman to Flower, no run, flighted full, Flower comes forward and
yorks himself, squeezed to Harris at short midwicket
End of over 26 (9 runs) Zimbabwe 129/5 (RR: 4.96 RRR: 145/24 = 6.04)
PJ Wiseman 2-0-21-0 - Sandringham Road End
DP Viljoen 34* (36b 2x4) A Flower 57* (57b 8x4)
and that's Wiseman's first dot ball after 2 costly overs worth 21
runs!
26.1 Astle to Viljoen, no run, shortish ball, tries to pull but is
cramped for room, slaps it back down the pitch to the bowler
26.2 Astle to Viljoen, no run, quicker, fuller ball, looked to biff it
over midwicket but the premeditated stroke doesn't come off, into
the pads
26.3 Astle to Viljoen, no run, stroked firmly straight to Styris at
extra cover
26.4 Astle to Viljoen, one run, shortish ball, pushed back up on the off
side of the pitch, past the bowler and Styris coming in from extra
cover, easy single jogged with the stroke
26.5 Astle to Flower, one run, driven away to Sinclair at deep cover,
single jogged
26.6 Astle to Viljoen, one run, and once more, driven out to Sinclair at
deep cover
End of over 27 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 132/5 (RR: 4.89 RRR: 142/23 = 6.17)
NJ Astle 3-0-12-0 - Dominion Road End
DP Viljoen 36* (41b 2x4) A Flower 58* (58b 8x4)
Wiseman is quickly replaced after 2 overs, Chris Harris on
27.1 Harris to Viljoen, one run, floated full, swept away to Franklin at
long leg
27.2 Harris to Flower, no run, quick and full, dug out back to the
bowler from his toes
27.3 Harris to Flower, one run, shortish ball, swung away on bended knee
out to Sinclair at deep midwicket
27.4 Harris to Viljoen, no run, flat and full, squeezed firmly back on
the leg side of the pitch, good diving save off his own bowling to
his left by Harris saves a run
27.5 Harris to Viljoen, one run, lapped away to Franklin at fine leg
27.6 Harris to Flower, two runs, short ball keeps a bit low, pulled
through midwicket, Sinclair makes a diving save in the deep inside
the boundary, time for a second as he recovers
End of over 28 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 137/5 (RR: 4.89 RRR: 137/22 = 6.23)
CZ Harris 1-0-5-0 - Sandringham Road End
DP Viljoen 38* (44b 2x4) A Flower 61* (61b 8x4)
this pair are smartly milking the middle overs for approximately
the required run rate, and whilst it's still relatively early
days, New Zealand could soon be embarrassed for letting this occur
with deep fields set
28.1 Astle to Viljoen, no run, tight ball on off stump, strongly driven
up on the off side of the pitch, Styris makes a fine diving save
to his left to cut it off at extra cover
28.2 Astle to Viljoen, one run, shortish ball down the leg side, swung
around the corner down to Wiseman at fine leg
28.3 Astle to Flower, no run, crisply square driven but can't get it
past an athletic save by Harris diving to his left at backward
point
28.4 Astle to Flower, no run, a beauty! drawn into a meek push forward
by a fair length delivery seaming away from the outside edge on a
length, too good that it even beats Parore, popping out of the
glove in close on the leg side
28.5 Astle to Flower, one run, driving at a straight one, taken high on
the pad and runs down to third man, big appeal for lbw but a shake
of the head from umpire Bowden, no signal for leg bye so a faint
edge is presumed to be in there somewhere
28.6 Astle to Viljoen, no run, another good tight ball to complete the
over, stroked back up on the leg side of the pitch
End of over 29 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 139/5 (RR: 4.79 RRR: 135/21 = 6.43)
NJ Astle 4-0-14-0 - Dominion Road End
A Flower 62* (64b 8x4) DP Viljoen 39* (47b 2x4)
29.1 Harris to Flower, no run, forward, guides it down to Fleming at
backward point
29.2 Harris to Flower, FOUR, floated up fuller outside off stump, this
time square drives it just backward of point, but forward of
Fleming, no chance for Oram at cut off from deep point
29.3 Harris to Flower, bye: two runs, tries to lap another but it goes
straight through everyone, sub fielder Walker charges around to
field from third man, making a tremendous diving save to cut off
two runs
29.4 Harris to Flower, one run, worked around the corner down to
Franklin at fine leg
29.5 Harris to Viljoen, no run, firmly driven from the crease straight
to Astle at extra cover
29.6 Harris to Viljoen, OUT: that's the wicket New Zealand were after,
Viljoen drawn forward out of his crease by a teasing floater,
totally done through the air and is stranded well out of his
crease, flops back in but not in time to save his bacon, Parore
whips off the
Zimbabwe 146/6, Partnership of 82
DP Viljoen st Parore b Harris 39 (49b 2x4 0x6)
End of over 30 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 146/6 (RR: 4.87 RRR: 128/20 = 6.40)
CZ Harris 2-0-10-1 - Sandringham Road End
A Flower 67* (68b 9x4)
bails like flash lightning
it brings to an end a record partnership for the 6th wicket for
Zimbabwe against New Zealand, a very threatening one, but Viljoen
played a bit ambitiously when he needn't have done so and pays the
price
Heath Streak comes in to join Flower, Zimbabwe's last realistic
hopes as they carry a modest tail of Strang, Murphy and Friend
30.1 Astle to Flower, wide: FOUR, angling down the leg side, tries to
lap it but doesn't catch up, beats Parore and down to boundary in
front of the sightscreen
30.1 Astle to Flower, one run, drives at a short lifting ball on off
stump, inside edgily plays it down to vacant square leg
30.2 Astle to Streak, no run, dead straight on middle stump, props well
forward down the line, defends with bat/pad tucked together back
down the pitch to Astle
30.3 Astle to Streak, no run, beaten! a lovely quicker delivery pushed
through outside off stump, Parore whips off the bails in a flash
again but Streak's back foot is firmly in place, he really reached
forward for that one to no avail
30.4 Astle to Streak, one run, strongly driven up to Franklin at mid on,
tight single scrambled through, Franklin's throw a bit wild over
the top of the stumps, a chance of an overthrow but Streak had
well over shot the mark
on comes a helmet for Parore keeping to Astle!
30.5 Astle to Flower, no run, angling down the leg side, tries to sweep
it away, brushes the body through to Parore
30.6 Astle to Flower, one run, stroked up towards Franklin at mid off,
another tight run taken with the shot, and another shy at the
stumps that misses from Franklin
End of over 31 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 154/6 (RR: 4.97 RRR: 120/19 = 6.32)
NJ Astle 5-0-22-0 (1w) - Dominion Road End
A Flower 69* (71b 9x4) HH Streak 1* (3b)
31.1 Harris to Flower, no run, shortish ball on off stump, runs it away
from the face to Astle at backward point
31.2 Harris to Flower, one run, steered through point this time, out to
Oram in the deep
31.3 Harris to Streak, one run, low full toss, lapped down to Walker
down at fine leg
31.4 Harris to Flower, one run, floated full, driven down to McMillan at
long on
31.5 Harris to Streak, (noball) one run, oversteps, pokes forward at one
floated up outside off stump, played out to Sinclair at deep cover
31.5 Harris to Flower, one run, jumps down the track to a shortish ball,
flat batting it out to Oram at deep point
31.6 Harris to Streak, no run, props forward in defence, waiting on the
ball, drops it down in close on the off side
End of over 32 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 160/6 (RR: 5.00 RRR: 114/18 = 6.33)
CZ Harris 3-0-16-1 (1nb) - Sandringham Road End
A Flower 72* (75b 9x4) HH Streak 3* (6b)
32.1 Astle to Flower, no run, shortish ball, worked down to Fleming at
midwicket
32.2 Astle to Flower, one run, tight ball on off stump, well played away
out to Sinclair at deep cover point
32.3 Astle to Streak, no run, straight ball played up towards Franklin
at mid on, Styris darting across to dummy field from midwicket
stops Streak from trying on the quick single
32.4 Astle to Streak, no run, firmly driven straight to Fleming at extra
cover
32.5 Astle to Streak, no run, tight ball on off stump, clunked away in
defence to Harris at point
32.6 Astle to Streak, one run, full outside off stump, driven down to
Walker at long off
End of over 33 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 162/6 (RR: 4.91 RRR: 112/17 = 6.59)
NJ Astle 6-0-24-0 (1w) - Dominion Road End
HH Streak 4* (10b) A Flower 73* (77b 9x4)
things just ticking over now, Zimbabwe biding their time as they
have no room to work with, the required rate is starting to climb
worryingly
33.1 Harris to Streak, no run, floated full, driven to Styris at extra
cover on the bounce
33.2 Harris to Streak, one run, floated very full on leg stump, paddles
very fine, Walker fields sharply from fine leg to prevent a second
33.3 Harris to Flower, one run, jumps down the pitch, swings it away
through backward square leg, out to Franklin in the deep
33.4 Harris to Streak, no run, floated up teasingly outside off stump,
quietly nudged away to Styris diving across to save at extra cover
33.5 Harris to Streak, no run, angling down the leg side, has a little
nibble but misses, brushes the thigh pad through to Parore, big
appeal for caught behind from Harris but umpire Cowie indicates it
brushed thigh instead
33.6 Harris to Streak, one run, down on one knee waiting for it to
arrive, it finally does, paddled away down to Walker at fine leg
End of over 34 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 165/6 (RR: 4.85 RRR: 109/16 = 6.81)
CZ Harris 4-0-19-1 (1nb) - Sandringham Road End
HH Streak 6* (15b) A Flower 74* (78b 9x4)
time for the final drinks break of the match, the series decider
heading into the final 16 overs with Zimbabwe facing a fair ask of
109 runs and just 4 wickets in hand to make them, and win their
first head-to-head away ODI series win
34.1 Astle to Streak, one run, shortish ball on off stump, forced off
the back foot through vacant cover, out to Oram patrolling the
deep, firing back a return to Astle before they look for a second
34.2 Astle to Flower, one run, full outside off stump, driven out to
Sinclair at deep point, umpire Cowie sidesteps the ball, not
tempted to field it himself
34.3 Astle to Streak, no run, full ball, jammed back out on the off side
of the pitch
34.4 Astle to Streak, no run, nice tight ball on off stump keeps Streak
honest once more, pushing it out to Harris at point
34.5 Astle to Streak, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, more
forcefully steered but can't get it past that man Harry again
34.6 Astle to Streak, no run, holds this one back and Streak has to pat
it back quietly on the leg side of the pitch in respect, a very
tidy tight Astle over immediately following drinks
End of over 35 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 167/6 (RR: 4.77 RRR: 107/15 = 7.13)
NJ Astle 7-0-26-0 (1w) - Dominion Road End
A Flower 75* (79b 9x4) HH Streak 7* (20b)
35.1 Harris to Flower, no run, shapes to lap it but has to readjust the
stroke as Harris pushes it through full and flat outside off
stump, chops the bat into the deck, jamming it back down the track
to Harris
35.2 Harris to Flower, one run, swept away from off stump out to
Sinclair at deep square leg
35.3 Harris to Streak, no run, props well forward in defence, playing
back to the bowler on the leg side of the pitch
35.4 Harris to Streak, legbye: one run, looks to lap, doesn't play it
with any efficiency at all, missing completely, turned off the pad
to vacant backward square leg for an easy run
35.5 Harris to Flower, FOUR, one step down the track, goodbye Mr Harris,
easily picks it up off the legs over midwicket, one bounce and
crashes into the base of the North Stand, Flower barely bats an
eyelid as he does it
35.6 Harris to Flower, no run, tries to sweep strongly but misses, into
the front pad and drops down for Parore to tidy up, Harris lets
out a mini yelp, not completely sure whether that's a "yay, I've
beaten him!" or a "damn, he's still in!" yelp
End of over 36 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 173/6 (RR: 4.81 RRR: 101/14 = 7.21)
CZ Harris 5-0-24-1 (1nb) - Sandringham Road End
HH Streak 7* (22b) A Flower 80* (83b 10x4)
36.1 Astle to Streak, one run, cut out to Oram at deep cover point
36.2 Astle to Flower, legbye: FOUR, straight ball, looks to lap it from
off stump, strikes the front pad and draws a big appeal for lbw,
but just pitching outside the line, deflects down to the straight
third man boundary
36.3 Astle to Flower, one run, worked out through to Sinclair at deep
cover
36.4 Astle to Streak, one run, driven down to Walker at long off
36.5 Astle to Flower, OUT: Astle nabs the one they really, really
wanted, Flower charged, took him on, and lost, not picking it up
sufficiently well enough, scooping it straight down the throat of
Franklin behind the bowler at straight mid off
Zimbabwe 180/7, Partnership of 34
A Flower c Franklin b Astle 81 (86b 10x4 0x6)
HH Streak 9* (24b) NJ Astle 7.5-0-29-1 (1w)
the reaction by the New Zealanders to that wicket makes it clear he
is the difference between winning and possibly being embarrassed
at the death, the threat is extinguished, and Flower walks off to
a fine hand from the crowd, a lovely innings that
didn't quite last nearly enough for Zimbabwe's sake
Travis Friend the new batsman
36.6 Astle to Friend, legbye: one run, squared around on the crease
trying to play one going straight, big appeal for lbw as it
strikes him on the pad, but struck a big high, drops down towards
short third man for a leg bye
End of over 37 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 181/7 (RR: 4.89 RRR: 93/13 = 7.15)
NJ Astle 8-0-29-1 (1w) - Dominion Road End
TJ Friend 0* (1b) HH Streak 9* (24b)
37.1 Harris to Friend, no run, floated full, turned straight to Fleming
at midwicket who makes a sharp stop to his left
37.2 Harris to Friend, no run, jabs forward in defence to one pinging up
from a length, drops it down in close on the leg side
37.3 Harris to Friend, one run, flighted full, Friend strongly drives
into the deck, just getting it past the diving Harris to his
right, down to Wiseman at long on
37.4 Harris to Streak, no run, pokes back warily on the off side of the
pitch to the bowler
37.5 Harris to Streak, no run, forward, pushed straight to Styris at
extra cover
37.6 Harris to Streak, one run, low full toss, reaches forward to paddle
it down to Walker at fine leg
End of over 38 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 183/7 (RR: 4.82 RRR: 91/12 = 7.58)
CZ Harris 6-0-26-1 (1nb) - Sandringham Road End
HH Streak 10* (27b) TJ Friend 1* (4b)
38.1 Astle to Streak, one run, shortish ball on off stump, dropped down
short of cover, quick single jogged with the shot as the field is
in no great hurry to get in to field it
38.2 Astle to Friend, one run, similar ball on off stump, this time
forced up towards mid off, easy run taken with the stroke as
Walker's in to field from the circle edge
38.3 Astle to Streak, one run, full outside off stump, nudged away out
to Oram at deep cover
38.4 Astle to Friend, one run, turned off the legs out to Sinclair at
deep square leg
38.5 Astle to Streak, no run, very full ball, strongly cracked back past
the bowler, but can't beat Franklin at straight mid on, fielding
on the bounce
38.6 Astle to Streak, two runs, shortish ball, scooped away out towards
deep extra cover, poor misfield by Oram allows a second run that
wasn't going to eventuate
End of over 39 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 189/7 (RR: 4.85 RRR: 85/11 = 7.73)
NJ Astle 9-0-35-1 (1w) - Dominion Road End
TJ Friend 3* (6b) HH Streak 14* (31b)
39.1 Harris to Friend, one run, shortish ball, Friend plays a most
curious paddle shot, it pinged up on him, a bit straight and
nearly played it straight into his helmet! had to shy away as it
goes past Parore, Walker in to field from long leg
39.2 Harris to Streak, SIX, floated full outside off stump, "hit me! hit
me!" it begs, and Streak fair slams it over extra cover,
depositing it high up into the North Stand, barely even needed to
lay into that one, good clean blow
39.3 Harris to Streak, no run, shortish ball down the leg side, brushes
the pad through to the keeper, Harris yelps about but Parore puts
it down anyway, no genuine chance there
39.4 Harris to Streak, one run, driven up through mid off for an easy
single
39.5 Harris to Friend, one run, driven back down the pitch, Harris tries
to alter its course by palming it towards the stumps, just
missing, down to Wiseman at long on
39.6 Harris to Streak, one run, stroked out to Sinclair at deep cover
End of over 40 (10 runs) Zimbabwe 199/7 (RR: 4.97 RRR: 75/10 = 7.50)
CZ Harris 7-0-36-1 (1nb) - Sandringham Road End
HH Streak 22* (35b 1x6) TJ Friend 5* (8b)
Astle to begin his final over
40.1 Astle to Streak, no run, shortish ball on off stump, forced
straight down to Fleming at extra cover from the crease
40.2 Astle to Streak, no run, charges down the pitch to a quicker one
pushed through, taken high on the pad, nearly snuck through him
and would've been stranded
40.3 Astle to Streak, wide: no run, floated slower ball down the leg
side, Parore misses it, down to McMillan at long leg, they don't
bother going for the run, interestingly
40.3 Astle to Streak, SIX, great clean blow, slammed a long way over
wide midwicket, Streak keeping Zimbabwe's miniscule hopes alive
40.4 Astle to Streak, one run, clipped out through to deep midwicket
40.5 Astle to Friend, no run, firmly stroked back to the bowler
40.6 Astle to Friend, FOUR, cracked straight down the ground over the
bowler's head, Friend joins in on the action, too good for Walker
at long on
End of over 41 (12 runs) Zimbabwe 211/7 (RR: 5.15 RRR: 63/9 = 7.00)
NJ Astle 10-0-47-1 (2w) - Dominion Road End
HH Streak 29* (39b 2x6) TJ Friend 9* (10b 1x4)
an expensive last over from Astle, costing 12 runs, but still ends
a fair spell, taking the wicket of key batsman Flower two games in
a row
James Franklin returns, replacing Harris at the bowling crease
41.1 Franklin to Streak, one run, full outside off stump, driven down to
McMillan at long off
41.2 Franklin to Friend, two runs, neatly clipped off the legs through
wide midwicket, Oram around to field in the deep, rather neat shot
from a lower order batsman
41.3 Franklin to Friend, no run, mistimes a push into the covers, just
landing the aerial shot short of Harris at extra cover who scoops
it up on the half volley
41.4 Franklin to Friend, one run, dabbed away to Astle at backward
point, quick run taken with the shot, Astle holds back on the
throw with nobody at the stumps or backing up
41.5 Franklin to Streak, no run, nudged away towards Astle again, no
chance of a run this time as he's quickly to it
41.6 Franklin to Streak, one run, high full toss outside off stump,
slapped down to McMillan at long off
End of over 42 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 216/7 (RR: 5.14 RRR: 58/8 = 7.25)
JEC Franklin 7-1-35-1 (1w) - Sandringham Road End
HH Streak 31* (42b 2x6) TJ Friend 12* (13b 1x4)
Zimbabwe still clinging to the thread of hope, New Zealand unable
to close this off and paying for it at present, Streak striking
some good clean blows with nonchalant ease over these puny
boundaries
McMillan returns, replacing Astle who has now bowled out his overs
42.1 McMillan to Streak, FOUR, low full toss outside off stump, scooped
up rather awkwardly over vacant extra cover, didn't look like he
had hit that one at all, but before you know it, away to the rope
it goes, Walker helpless from long off
42.2 McMillan to Streak, one run, full outside off stump, nudged away
through vacant cover
42.3 McMillan to Friend, one run, full ball on the legs, picked up out
to Sinclair on the bounce at deep midwicket
the crowd starts building the McMillan run-up with hand claps, it's
starting to get a bit close for comfort here!
42.4 McMillan to Streak, one run, full on the legs again, and picked up
well through forward square leg, Sinclair fielding in the deep
once more
the batsmen meet in the middle to have a word, they know they're in
with a sniff if they hold their heads
42.5 McMillan to Friend, one run, full ball on the toes, worked up
towards Astle on the circle edge at wide midwicket, easy run taken
with the shot
42.6 McMillan to Streak, no run, McMillan gets it right to finish the
over, tight ball on off stump, compactly defended back to the
bowler on the off side of the pitch
End of over 43 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 224/7 (RR: 5.21 RRR: 50/7 = 7.14)
CD McMillan 4-0-26-0 - Dominion Road End
TJ Friend 14* (15b 1x4) HH Streak 37* (46b 1x4 2x6)
50 needed off 42 balls, 3 wickets in hand, don't tear up your
betting stubs just yet folks
43.1 Franklin to Friend, no run, tight ball on a good length on off
stump, tapped down to Astle at point, another rare dot ball brings
a cheer
43.2 Franklin to Friend, one run, jumps down the track, flat bats it
back down the track just past Franklin reaching down late on his
follow through, through the legs, they jog the single down to
Wiseman at long on
43.3 Franklin to Streak, one run, full ball, powerfully driven down to
Sinclair at straight long on
43.4 Franklin to Friend, one run, short ball outside off stump, tapped
out through vacant point, McMillan has to hurry in from the deep
to stop two being taken as it's played well into the gap
43.5 Franklin to Streak, SIX, advances down the track, turning it into a
full toss, slapped in the air towards McMillan at deep cover,
misjudges it and over the head it goes, Streak's really getting
into his task required now
the crowd went up thinking it was going straight down his throat,
but Eden Park is a very deceptive ground, didn't quite 'Madondo'
it however, where Trevor let a catching chance go over his head in
the same position
43.6 Franklin to Streak, one run, full ball driven down to Sinclair at
long off
End of over 44 (10 runs) Zimbabwe 234/7 (RR: 5.32 RRR: 40/6 = 6.67)
JEC Franklin 8-1-45-1 (1w) - Sandringham Road End
HH Streak 45* (49b 1x4 3x6) TJ Friend 16* (18b 1x4)
down to 40 needed off 36 balls now, getting very tense, some
worried faces in the crowd
44.1 McMillan to Streak, no run, plays and misses a slower ball outside
off stump, Parore takes on the half volley as it bounces just
short of him
44.2 McMillan to Streak, SIX, full ball outside off stump, sends it
sailing down to Walker at long off, he's not as tall as Oram, and
just over the leaping fingers, that's Streak's 50 off just 51
balls, 1x4 and 4 sixes! big, big worry in this stunned crowd now
44.3 McMillan to Streak, no run, tapped straight down to Fleming at
backward point
44.4 McMillan to Streak, one run, dear oh dear oh dear oh dear, tapped
down backward of point, everyone's in la-la land, Fleming is to
it, but Parore is just ball watching, both batsmen stranded mid-
pitch, but no keeper to lob it to for the easy run out, has to
have a shy, misses by a
mile trying to gently toss it at the wickets with all the time in
the world, and Zimbabwe gets the single
44.5 McMillan to Friend, one run, full outside off stump, driven down to
Walker at long off
44.6 McMillan to Streak, no run, cut straight down to Fleming at point,
the crowd give an ironic cheer as it's thrown in no problems this
time
End of over 45 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 242/7 (RR: 5.38 RRR: 32/5 = 6.40)
CD McMillan 5-0-34-0 - Dominion Road End
TJ Friend 17* (19b 1x4) HH Streak 52* (54b 1x4 4x6)
Styris is brought on for Franklin, New Zealand are not sure where
to turn now
45.1 Styris to Friend, one run, angling on leg stump, turned around the
corner to Walker at short fine leg
45.2 Styris to Streak, one run, full outside off stump, scooped in the
air out towards McMillan at deep cover, fielded on the bounce as
it drops well short of him
45.3 Styris to Friend, no run, firmly pushed back on the off side of the
pitch, Styris dives to stop it to his left, getting a big cheer
45.4 Styris to Friend, one run, low full toss, driven down to Wiseman at
long on
45.5 Styris to Streak, FOUR, and away goes Streak again, picked up over
wide midwicket, just bouncing inside the boundary, Oram can't get
around to it in time from squarer, that sinking feeling strikes
most people in the crowd once more
the small section of Zimbabwean fans in the stands can't believe
their eyes, screaming themselves hoarse now
down to run-a-ball needed all of a sudden
45.6 Styris to Streak, no run, plays and misses outside off stump,
slower ball moving away past the outside edge, reasonably wide
End of over 46 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 249/7 (RR: 5.41 RRR: 25/4 = 6.25)
SB Styris 9-1-36-3 (3w) - Sandringham Road End
TJ Friend 19* (22b 1x4) HH Streak 57* (57b 2x4 4x6)
46.1 McMillan to Friend, OUT: ooh what a game! full outside off stump,
Friend tries to run it fine, but just gets a little edge through
to the keeper, slow reactions from most, but Parore goes up
jubilant and he's on his way with umpire Bowden raising the
dreaded finger
Zimbabwe 249/8, Partnership of 69
TJ Friend c Parore b McMillan 19 (23b 1x4 0x6)
HH Streak 57* (57b 2x4 4x6) CD McMillan 5.1-0-34-1
down to 25 needed off 23 balls, and Streak still off strike, as
Bryan Strang walks to the crease
46.2 McMillan to Strang, no run, good quick straight ball, Strang can do
nothing but defend straight back down the pitch, 25 off 22 needed
the crowd get right in behind big Macca now
46.3 McMillan to Strang, legbye: three runs, angling down the leg side,
just gets a brush off the legs, Sinclair rockets after it, making
a superb diving save to just scoop it back inside the rope, could
prove vital in the end
46.4 McMillan to Streak, two runs, opens the face, running it past
Fleming diving to his left at backward point, Wiseman around to
field from third man, can't prevent two being easily taken
46.5 McMillan to Streak, one run, low full toss, turned out through
vacant square leg, Styris around in the deep to fire in a quick
return, stops the second from being attempted
46.6 McMillan to Strang, OUT: McMillan delivers again! a quick full
ball, Strang plays all around it, brushes the pad through on to
his stumps, McMillan pumps his fists in circles in the air, a big
breakthrough again
Zimbabwe 255/9, Partnership of 6
BC Strang b McMillan 0 (3b 0x4 0x6)
End of over 47 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 255/9 (RR: 5.43 RRR: 19/3 = 6.33)
CD McMillan 6-0-37-2 - Dominion Road End
HH Streak 60* (59b 2x4 4x6)
it now means Zimbabwe are just one ball away from potentially
losing it at any stage from this point onwards, but Streak is
still there, and more importantly for Zimbabwe, he's on strike
Franklin returns, just one over from Styris in his most recent
spell
Brian Murphy the last batsman at the crease, at the non-striker's
end now
19 off 18 balls required
47.1 Franklin to Streak, two runs, full ball, lofted down the ground,
pitches in the deep and fielded by Sinclair around from long on,
almost overran it
17 off 17 needed
47.2 Franklin to Streak, no run, good straight ball, can only work it
away straight to Fleming at midwicket, not prepared to give away
the strike to Murphy at this stage
47.3 Franklin to Streak, FOUR, oh dear, Franklin pushes it through down
the leg side, well turned away through backward square leg, no
chance for McMillan at short fine leg and away it goes
suddenly down to 13 off 15 needed
47.4 Franklin to Streak, one run, angling on leg stump, worked away
towards midwicket, they take the single as Fleming jogs across to
field
Murphy has up to two balls to face, New Zealand's best chance,
Streak to look nervously on as captain and senior (smashing!)
partner, provides a little advice
12 needed off 14 ...
47.5 Franklin to Murphy, no run, good tight straight ball, defends away
to Harris at extra cover
47.6 Franklin to Murphy, no run, high full toss, poked towards Harris
again, Streak looks for a run which isn't on, has to dive back
into his crease as Harris back flicks it at the bowler's end, just
missing
End of over 48 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 262/9 (RR: 5.46 RRR: 12/2 = 6.00)
JEC Franklin 9-1-52-1 (1w) - Sandringham Road End
HH Streak 67* (63b 3x4 4x6) BA Murphy 0* (2b)
two overs to bowl, 12 runs needed, Streak on strike, McMillan to
bowl, just this last pair at the crease - it's a straight shootout
48.1 McMillan to Streak, FOUR, low full toss, Streak does it again!
whips it away in the air over wide midwicket, and too well hit for
Franklin at long on, 8 off 11 needed
48.2 McMillan to Streak, no run, full ball on off stump, jams it out
towards Styris at extra cover, a quick run on offer is denied,
Streak is holding on for the big hit
48.3 McMillan to Streak, two runs, low full toss, chipped out to Walker
at deep midwicket on the bounce, a bit of hesitation but they
sprint back for the second, looks tight but the throw is high
Parore drops it on to the stumps but Streak has raced home
superbly, well in, no call for the replay by umpire Cowie
one big hit will do it now for Zimbabwe! and boy do they have the
right man on strike to play it, 6 needed, 9 balls with which to
try and find it
48.4 McMillan to Streak, SIX, brilliant! absolutely brilliant! Streak
has stolen an incredible win! short rising ball outside off stump,
Streak laid into it, sending it sailing high over extra cover, he
stands and watches with Murphy as it sails away, going, going
...... gone!
the New Zealand fielders just stand and watch helplessly, Streak
and Murphy embrace, what an unbelievable victory stolen from
absolutely nothing
it's Zimbabwe's first away head-to-head series victory, having won
just two tri-series against (then) non-Test playing nations Kenya
and Bangladesh, one in each of those two countries, and three home
head-to-head series in their limited history of ODIs
what's more incredible is the fact they've won this one with a
whole 8 balls to spare! a gambling person who put a penny on them
when 64/5 in the 16th over would've been a very brave, and now
rich, one indeed
Streak finishes on 79 unbeaten from 67 balls, four fours and five
mighty sixes, he exploited the odd shape of this ground to
perfection and made New Zealand pay for loosening the noose on
Flower and Viljoen in the middle overs
it was an odd decision by Fleming to bring on Wiseman at a time
when the pair were just gearing into their work, and knowing just
how well Flower was playing the slower bowlers, it was playing
right into his hands, and he was quick to take full toll
Zimbabwe lay away their bad memories from the last time these two
teams met here, when it was Guy Whittall and Paul Strang who
smashed them back into the game from hopelessness, had it for the
taking and then contrived to lose it at the death by 2 runs
time for the National Bank One-Day International Series
presentations
incoming New Zealand Cricket President Dave Hoskin says a few
words, lauds the general play of the series, in particular the
'doughty' performance of Heath Streak and his side, and gives
credit to New Zealand for playing as well as they have given the
decimation in their playing ranks over the last six months during
their arduous tour of Singapore and the African continent
losing captain Stephen Fleming steps forth to say a few words, but
is jokingly shy of wanting to speak about the result at first,
naturally pays credit to Zimbabwe, and Craig McMillan for his
earlier explosive knock in the day, also mentions that they
have some issues to deal with when it comes to bowling at the death
now comes forth Zimbabwe captain and hero of the new year, Heath
Streak, who is also named as undisputed Man of the Match for his
amazing contribution, thanking a raft of parties, but most notably
the band of Zimbabwe supporters present who certainly
make their presence known, then Streak says this is only just the
beginning of a long tour down under
the National Bank Sponsorship Manager Chris Keeping comes forth,
and presents the National Bank One-Day International Series trophy
to winning captain Heath Streak, and there concludes the
presentations to the mellowed tones of Robbie Williams 'Angels'
now time for a lap of honour, and don't they deserve it what! not
too many people to wave to, but there's a big bank of Zimbabwe
fans - 'the red army' - waiting in a bunch down on the terraces
now a wave of worshipping bows to their gods as they approach, and
time to pose for some photos, wonderful stuff
what a way for Zimbabwe to conclude the first leg of their Southern
jaunt, exactly the kind of buzz they'll love to take over to the
considerably tougher assignment of the Carlton Series against
Australia and the West Indies shortly
for New Zealand, time for some soul searching, much progress was
made with the new young brigade, but at the death they didn't know
what quite to do and it showed through, the wily leader Streak
made them pay so dearly for it
that's now 7 losses in 8 matches for New Zealand, and luckily for
them, it's back to their own backyard, domestic Shell Cup and
Trophy cricket to hone their skills for their harder opponents Sri
Lanka and Pakistan approaching Kiwi shores in late January
through to the end of March
Man of the Match Heath Streak receives 3 points towards the
National Bank International Player of the Year Award for today's
effort, but won't be in the hunt in the end as that ends his
points-gaining opportunities - the CLEAR Black Caps have many
more!
Craig McMillan's swashbuckling efforts have earnt him the 2 points
and helps extend his lead at the top of the early standings, while
Andy Flower's lovely 81 has given him 1 point
that concludes our coverage of the New Zealand v Zimbabwe National
Bank Test and National Bank One-Day International Series on
CricInfo.com, we hope you enjoyed it!
it's goodbye from Eden Park in Auckland, until January 28th in
Napier when New Zealand takes on Sri Lanka in the first One-Day
International, that's all the international coverage we have for
you from New Zealand, until then, it's good evening from Auckland
any comments about today's coverage, please send them on through to
comms@cricinfo.com - all feedback is very much appreciated!
Match State: End of match