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.
Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand Vs Zimbabwe
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.
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