Zimbabwe vs. New Zealand: Winners and Losers from 2nd ODI
The second one-day international was a veritable romp for New Zealand over Zimbabwe, as the Black Caps won by 10 wickets.
It was a comfortable victory for the visitors, who saw both openers reach centuries and chase down a target of 236.
The series is now level at 1-1 with one game to play, with several players impressing and several others failing to do so in this match.
Let’s take a look at some winners and losers from the second ODI.
Winner: Martin Guptill
One of two centurions for New Zealand was Martin Guptill, who reached 116 not out from 138 deliveries.
His score helped the Black Caps home with ease, as he dispatched numerous Zimbabwe bowlers to all parts of the ground in Harare.
Loser: Hamilton Masakadza
Having impressed in previous game, Zimbabwe opener Hamilton Masakadza did not quite hit the heights of his past performances in this match.
He was caught by Tom Latham off Mitchell McClenaghan on nought after receiving a difficult short ball in what was a miserable outing.
Winner: Tom Latham
Tom Latham was another New Zealander to reach 100, as he hit 110 from 116 balls to complete a straightforward victory.
It was Latham’s first ODI century, and this was a superb way for the left-hander to stake his claim for a permanent place at the top of the order.
Loser: Craig Ervine
In the last ODI, Craig Ervine was hugely impressive for Zimbabwe as he scored 130 not out in their victory.
However, he could not repeat the feat and was dismissed for 12, bowled by Grant Elliott as Zimbabwe’s top order subsided.
Winner: Sikandar Raza
His teammates struggled, but Zimbabwe’s No. 7 Sikandar Raza stepped up as he hit an unbeaten 100 from 95 balls.
He came to the crease at 68-5 and showed it was possible to score runs with a little application against bowlers who were looking especially potent.
Loser: Sean Williams
Zimbabwean spinner Sean Williams was not the only bowler to fail to take a wicket for the hosts, but his performance was one of the most disappointing.
Williams conceded 36 runs in just 5.2 overs at an economy rate of 6.75 runs per over, as he was merrily milked by Martin Guptill and Tom Latham.