Following the hugely one-sided test match, New Zealand will hope to dominate Zimbabwe further when they meet in the three-match ODI series, starting from Friday. Zimbabwe arrived on tour with high hopes of performing creditably, but their confidence has taken a major hit following the crushing defeat.

Zimbabwe have played all their cricket at home since the World Cup last year. The lack of experience of playing in different conditions was widely exposed in the test match, and will be one of the key shortcomings they will look to overcome in the limited-overs format. Although they have tasted limited success on home soil, they were at least competitive in most of those matches.

Such facts are what skipper Brendan Taylor will be inculcating in his players' minds as they seek consistency and look to show technical strength in facing the challenge. Besides Taylor, Elton Chgiumbura will be expected to play a key role, being one of the more experienced players in the squad.

For New Zealand, the series serves as an excellent opportunity to prepare for the home series against South Africa that follows. Ross Taylor, the captain, has been ruled out due to an injury and thus has opened up another slot for the youngsters to stake their claim ahead of the crucial series. In addition, the selectors have also remarked how they look to build a team with the 2015 World Cup in mind.

Through this ODI series, New Zealand will look to give caps to four newcomers who have been rewarded for impressive performances in the domestic one-day and HRV T20 Cup, and are a prominent feature of the 14-man squad.

The day-match will be played at University Oval in Dunedin. The ground hosted its first international match in 2008. The short boundaries could mean the spin bowlers are taken for plenty of runs. New Zealand start as overwhelming favorites to win the match comprehensively.

Tag :- Brendan Taylor   New Zealand   Ross Taylor   Zimbabwe