Zimbabwe beat Black Caps by one wicket

MALCOLM WALLER scored a career best 99 not out, and kept his cool when it mattered most, to lead Zimbabwe to their biggest successful run chase in a nail-biting one-wicket win over New Zealand in the third Castle Lager ODI at Queens yesterday.

Waller scored an unbeaten 99, off 108 with 10 fours and a six, and was duly named man-of-the-match as Zimbabwe overhauled New Zealand's target of 328-5.

Njabulo Ncube took three big wickets on debut but finished with figures 3-69 but all that mattered for little as Zimbabwe squeezed home in the penultimate ball of the last over.

Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor posted a useful 75 off 65 balls, to continue his good form, striking seven fours and two sixes.

Tatenda Taibu chipped in with 53 off 39 balls with four fours and two sixes while Elton Chigumbura was three runs shot of a half century as the big players played a part.

The hosts never gave up, even when they looked in danger, and Waller - as cool as they come - was there to push them home even after he lost some key partners along the way and was dropped by New Zealand captain Ross Taylor at a key stage.

Having won the toss New Zealand decided to bat first, and on a good batting pitch, they piled on the runs to reach 328/5 in their allotted 50 overs.

Black Caps captain Taylor led from the front with 119 (off 126 balls) that comprised of nine fours and three sixes while Kane Williamson posted an unbeaten century that had 11 fours and a six and their partnership brought up a strong 195-run stand.

Zimbabwe had earlier made the breakthrough to reduce New Zealand to 41/3.

The fifth partnership of Ross Taylor (119) and Kane Williamson with an unbeaten 100 off 69 balls set the foundation for the Black Caps win despite an early scare from Zimbabwe who had forced New Zealand to 3/41.

There were a number of changes in the Zimbabwe bowling attack with Chris Mpofu missing and seamer Keegan Meth opening the attack on his home ground.

Debutante Ncube also did well.

Natsai Mushangwe also found himself in the side with Prosper Utseya rested while New Zealand rested Martin Guptill, all rounder James Franklin and seamer Doug Bracewell.

Zimbabwe started badly as they lost opener Vusi Sibanda for a duck, first ball, and while Hamilton Masakadza played with caution, Taylor was blistering.

Once the skipper was gone, for the first time without making a century in this series, the others had to play their parts and Elton Chigumbura, severely criticised by commentator Dean du Plessis on the eve of the match, responded in the best possible manner.

There were scares along the way but Taibu played a big part and Waller finished it off, with a little helping hand from the reliable Raymond Price.

Taylor was named man-of-the-series.

"Awesome feeling. Nice to end the way we did," he told Cricinfo.

"Nice to salvage a bit of pride. All credit to New Zealand. We will take a lot out of this.

"We have a little bit of momentum now. From start to finish the guys were positive in their approach.

"No nails left. The crowd always turns up, this one is for them, and everyone who has shown up in the past."

Waller was delirious.

"Feeling really good. Good to come out winning this game, great," he said.

"To take it right through the end was very good.

"Having Elto (Chigumbura) striking it so well was great. I was a bit nervous at times but Elton took the pressure off with the big hits, and Razor (Price), in the end was great."