At Taupo, January 2 (day/night). Zimbabwe won by 70 runs (D/L method). Toss: New Zealand. International debut: J. E. C. Franklin.
The New Zealanders regarded this match as an opportunity to re-enter their one-day winning mode. But they were comprehensively outplayed by Zimbabwe, in particular by the batsmanship of Andy Flower, the game's top-scorer with 80 from 88 balls. The home bowling lost its cutting edge when Cairns, returning to international duty after a two-month lay-off, managed only three overs before succumbing to his leg injury. After Flower and Carlisle had put on 154 for the third wicket, the Zimbabweans raced away, raising 300 for seven. A shower revised the New Zealand target to 281 from 43 overs; once Fleming was sixth out at 151, the Zimbabwean bowlers had the game under control. Man of the Match: A. Flower.

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