McCullum expects improved Black Caps' performance in T20 series against Zimbabwe

Auckland, Feb 10 : New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum expects his side to improve on their three one-day wins capped off by Napier''s McLean Park win ahead of the two Twenty20 matches against Zimbabwe.

New Zealand''s total of 373 for eight, their highest on home soil, was set up by another century partnership from openers Martin Guptill and Rob Nicol.

Only Zimbabwe captain Brendon Taylor, who scored 65, offered any real resistance as the team were bowled out for 171 in 44 overs.

The Black Caps earlier recorded wins by 90 and 141 runs in the first two ODIs, and won the one-off Test by an innings and 301 runs.

But McCullum was wary of taking Zimbabwe lightly in the final two Twenty20 matches.

"I think the gap between two teams is always narrowed the shorter the game is. So it means we''re going to need to be more efficient," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Mc Cullum, as saying.

He said injury niggles to Jacob Oram and Guptill would be managed cautiously but were not expected to pose major problems.

McCullum said the pair, along with pace bowler Kyle Mills, had played a key role in New Zealand''s comprehensive wins.

"The experienced guys have all stepped up really well. Kyle has led the bowling attack, Jacob''s unlocked his batting again and played a key role there. And Martin Guptill, the way he''s played has been phenomenal,” he added.

McCullum said the most satisfying aspect to the Zimbabwe series had been the consistent improvement his side had shown.