After suffering a shock loss against Zimbabwe in the first of the three match ODI series, New Zealand will be keen to win the second ODI at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.
The Black Caps, despite missing a number of star players, were seen as favourites when they went into the game. To be fair, their batting performance on Sunday did live up to that expectation, but the African nation were too good for the Black Caps.
Zimbabwean coach Dav Whatmore, prior to the start of the series, had praised the team for their performance despite failing to cross the finishing line. They had given India a jolly good fight as well last month, which must have spurred Zimbabwe to come up with a splendid display to beat favourites New Zealand.
New Zealand had put up a huge score of 303 runs from in their 50 overs in the first ODI and were on course for a bright start in the series, with Ross Traylor and skipper Kane Williamson scored 112 and 97 runs, respectively.
The Zimbabwean top order had other plans in mind, as Hamilton Masakadza, Chamu Chibhabha and Craig Ervine played some brilliant cricket to chase down the target, giving reason for some celebrations in the stands at the Harare Sports Club.
Craig Ervine scored his maiden century to help Zimbabwe win the first ODI and give them the much needed confidence in the series. The Zimbabwean was moved up the order with the big target at sight and he did not disappointment, playing an impressive knock of 130 runs from 108 deliveries, which included 11 fours and 5 sixes.
Now, Zimbabwe are just a win away from winning the series and they have a chance to do so in the second ODI on Tuesday. Captain Elton Chigumbura feels their performance in the first ODI showed that Zimbbwe can win.
"It has been a hard road for us, and it shows we are capable of winning games," AFP quoted him as saying.
New Zealand need to come up with a better game against Zimbabwe in the second ODI to take the game to the third match for a decider. One has to agree that Zimbabwe played great cricket, but the Black Caps could have done better with the ball after their batsmen put up such a mammoth total.
Where to Watch Live
New Zealand vs Zimbabwe second match has gained huge importance after the Black Caps lost their first game to the home side. The second ODI is scheduled for a 9am local time (12:30pm IST, 8pm BST, 7pm NZ Time) start with live TV coverage on Ten Cricket with live streaming here.
UK viewers can watch the game on Sky Sports 2/ HD with live streaming option on Sky Go.
Viewers in the US can watch the match live on Willow TV with live streaming on Willow TV Online.
