Tue, 25 Oct 2011-Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, New Zealand Tour of Zimbabwe 2011-12, 3rd ODI - Bulletin

Waller leads Zimbabwe to thrilling win

When New Zealand powered by centuries from Ross Taylor and Martin Williamson raked up a huge 328, very few people would have given them a chance to stitch together a successful run chase. But, it was a different Zimbabwe batting unit, despite many setbacks the hosts seemed to have the belief, Brendon Taylor and Malcolm Waller played crucial innings and Zimbabwe in the end scampered home on the penultimate delivery with just one wicket to spare.

Chasing a daunting total, Zimbabwe had the worst possible start losing Vusi Sibanda only on the second ball of the innings. The hosts found themselves in a familiar situation early on and once again skipper Brendon Taylor led from the front with an aggressive knock. Although, Hamilton Masakadza struggled, Taylor kept up the run rate by hitting a 65 ball 75 that was laced with seven boundaries and two hits into the stands. The 99 run partnership for the second wicket that was dominated by Taylor provided Zimbabwean chase a solid base.

After the skipper was gone, Tatenda Taibu came to the fore with a typically busy innings, run-a-ball 53. He combated the spinners by using his feet to good effect, few of his inside out shots were delightful. At the halfway stage, Zimbabwe were very much on course at 154 for 2. But, then came the wobble as three wickets went in five overs. Hamilton Masakadza, Forster Mutizwa and Taibu fell in quick succession with the Zimbabwe total increasing by just 24 runs.

With the asking rate climbing a touch, Zimbabwe had to keep playing positively. In the form pf Malcolm Waller, Zimbabwe had the ideal batsmen. Bestowed wit the ability to hit big shots, he showed lot of sense to keep the chase going even when wickets fell around him. He was well supported by Elton Chigumbura’s 43-ball 47 as they added 112 runs in just 14 overs. The Zimbabwean cause was helped by some sloppy fielding towards the end. Waller finished not out 99 with just the last man standing as Zimbabwe completed their biggest chase.

Earlier, New Zealand top order failed for the first time in five innings but Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson struck timely hundreds to power the visitors to a daunting 328. Zimbabwe controlled proceedings for first half of the innings, however, the lack of a genuine death bowler allowed the Kiwis to score at a rapid pace and leave the hosts a target that would need some chasing.

After electing to bat, New Zealand lost BJ Watling only in the first over through a needless run-out; Rob Nicole didn’t last long and was removed by debutant Ncube for 14. The start just got worse for them when Brendon McCullum too was caught behind off the same bowler. With three wickets gone inside the first ten overs, New Zealand were wobbling and needed some rebuilding.

Since, openers have done the job for New Zealand so far on the tour; the middle order did not get enough time to spend in the middle and today was the time to show some resolve. At 41 for 3, Ross Taylor was joined by Jesse Ryder and the two set about rebuilding the faltering innings. Even though the skipper struggled to get going at the start, Ryder found the boundaries regularly to keep the score board ticking over. They added 83 runs at a decent rate to lay the platform for a late surge. Ryder offered a return catch on exactly fifty that consisted of five boundaries and a six.

Taylor was joined by Kane Williamson and the two had to start the rebuilding job all over again. Taylor continued to play the sheet-anchor role while as his new partner started off aggressively. They consolidation work continued till the 39th over when the fire works started. Taylor who by then had reached his fifty off 83 balls teed off with a six and a boundary off Meth. After that, it was systematic hitting by the duo that had the New Zealand total moving forward at a frenetic pace. Taylor brought up his hundred with a single and Williamson too followed suit on the last ball on the innings. Their 195 run stand for the fourth wicket was enough to blast New Zealand to 328, the last twelve overs yielding 147 runs.