Published: Aug 02, 2015, 11:56 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 02, 2015, 11:56 AM (IST)
New Zealand and Zimbabwe lock horns in first One-Day International (ODI) at Harare with the 2015 ICC World Cup runners up clearly being the favourites to go 1-0 up in the three-match series despite the absence of big names like skipper Brendon McCullum and the duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee. It is a great opportunity for the skilful cricketer Kane Williamson to show his leadership skills, who is anyway being groomed for McCullum’s successor’s job. LIVE BLOG: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2015, 1st ODI at Harare
After ending series against India with a win in the second and final Twenty20, the hosts will be aiming to surprise the Kiwis with a win in the very first game by taking advantage of their opponents without their first team. Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura will have senior players like Hamilton Masakadza, Sean Ervine, Vusi Sibanda and Sikandar Raza to fall back upon. Unlike previous occasions when the men in red either performed well with the bat or ball, they require their players to excel in both the departments in one single match. READ– Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 1st ODI at Harare: Preview
The ODI series will be followed by the only T20 between the sides before New Zealand’s real test begins, that is three ODIs, two T20s and three Test matches against South Africa. Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2015, Live Cricket Score: 1st ODI at Harare
