 If there is any anticipation or excitement about something, it is about the newest
international ground in Whangarei that will host the second one-day international
between New Zealand and Zimbabwe on Monday.
The gulf between the two sides has been that huge that something new like a new
ground is garnering some attention. Cobham Oval earned international status last
year, and has already hosted Pakistan in a warm-up match prior to that.
Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand Vs Zimbabwe
New Zealand scored a comfortable 90-run win in the first ODI, facing little challenge
from the struggling Zimbabweans.
While Brendon McCullum showed his pleasure at winning the match, he
also mentioned how he wants to avoid a repeat of soft dismissals that led to
New Zealand getting all out for 248 before their entire quota of overs ran out.
Martin Guptill showed signs of supreme touch as the rest failed to carry on their
starts. Skipper McCullum himself would want his form to improve after leaving
his side precariously placed at 2-4 in the second over.
The Kiwi bowlers enjoyed a good outing in comparison, with the touring batsmen
still struggling with pace and bounce. Rob Nicol, who failed with the bat, polished
the tail with four wickets while Kyle Mills troubled the batsmen up the
order. The bowlers can expect to have another enjoyable time in similar conditions
on Monday.
Zimbabwe came into the match having won their last ODI against New Zealand.
However, the show on display was similar to their dismal performance in Napier.
The only batsman to put up any resistance was Brendan Taylor, whose experience
playing in New Zealand's HRV Cup showed as he struck a resolute 58.
The batsmen will again have their techniques put to test as a barrage of short-pitched
deliveries can be expected from the Kiwi bowlers.
The match will start at 11.00 local time, and under sunny skies are expected to
prevail through the day.
New Zealand will be favourite to win this match and in turn win the series
with some ease as they look to defeat Zimbabwe in all the three matches
of the series.
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