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NZ's whitewash complete

NZ's whitewash complete

02/09/2012 09:38:58 AM

New Zealand have thrashed Zimbabwe by 202 runs in the third one-day international in Napier to complete a 3-0 series sweep.

The tourists never had a chance of hauling in New Zealand's imposing 8-373 - their third-highest ODI total of all-time that was highlighted by Brendon McCullum's 119 off just 88 deliveries.

Zimbabwe struggled from the outset in their pursuit of the total before eventually being bowled out for 171 in 44 overs.

It could have been worse had it not been for captain Brendan Taylor, who further confirmed his class in a 62-ball 65.

It was the heaviest defeat of a series which saw New Zealand win the opening ODI by 90 runs and the second by 141, along with a crushing innings-and-301-run defeat in the one-off Test in January.

New Zealand's total could have, and should have, been less than the 6-372 posted in the previous ODI at Whangarei.

Put plainly and simply, Zimbabwe's fielding was atrocious.Nothing could be taken away from McCullum's classy innings - his fourth at ODI level - but he was dropped in a regulation chance by Regis Chakabva at long-off when on 48.

McCullum took full toll, needing 52 balls to reach his half-century before accelerating to score his next 50 in only 25 more deliveries, including four consecutive sixes.

Rob Nicol was also dropped when he was six, and survived an lbw review before scoring 61.

He put on 153 for the opening stand with Martin Guptill (85), who made his fifth ODI half-century in a row.

There were also cameos from Jacob Oram (25 off 24 balls), Kane Williamson (38 off 40) and Nathan McCullum (21 off seven), the latter hitting three sixes in succession.

McCullum was not the only centurion in the innings, the other an unwanted one on Zimbabwe's side.Left-arm seamer Brian Vitori leaked 105 off nine overs - the equal second-worst figures in ODI history alongside New Zealanders Martin Snedden and Tim Southee, and only behind Australian Mick Lewis' 0-113.

Spin duo Prosper Utseya (1-47) and Ray Price (2-59) stemmed the bleeding in the middle overs and in the end were the difference between 373 and an embarrassing total in excess of 400.

It was always going to be a bridge too far for Zimbabwe, even if they had memories of a famous one-wicket victory in October when chasing down New Zealand's 328 in Bulawayo.

The only partnership of substance came between Taylor and Tatenda Taibu (26), putting on 67 for the third wicket.

It was already game over before their brief defiance, however, at 2-14 after seven overs.

Taylor hit six fours and two sixes before he became one of two catches to substitute fielder Colin de Grandhomme.

There were also two run-outs along with a pair of wickets each to spinners Tarun Nethula, Nathan McCullum and Kane Williamson.

Michael Bates picked up his maiden wicket in a tidy display of 1-24 off eight overs with his left-arm seamers.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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