Harare, Zimbabwe – Craig Ervine blasted Zimbabwe to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the first one-day international on Sunday.
His 130 not out took the hosts to their target of 304 with an over to spare for an early lead in the three-match series — a rare second straight win for Zimbabwe after they beat India in a Twenty20 game recently.
Left-hander Ervine’s match-winning innings against New Zealand was his first ODI century. His 130 came off just 108 balls and was punctuated by 11 fours and five sixes.
Zimbabwean batsman Craig Ervine takes a run after playing a shot during the One Day International Cricket match against New Zealand in Harare, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
Zimbabwe scored 304-3 at Harare Sports Club after New Zealand had posted 303-4, with 112 not out from Ross Taylor and 97 from stand-in captain Kane Williamson.
Zimbabwe opener Hamilton Masakadza started the chase strongly, making 84. Ervine then took over, reaching his maiden one-day hundred off 99 balls.
Facing 16 to win off the last two overs, it was still a tricky chase for Zimbabwe. But Ervine and Sean Williams took 15 off seam bowler James Neesham in the second-last over, with Ervine carving a four and a six over midwicket off the last two balls.
Ervine had leveled the scores with his big six and Zimbabwe won when Nathan McCullum bowled a wide first delivery of the final over.
McCullum was New Zealand’s only wicket taker with 3-62.
New Zealand had set a big target and appeared on course for victory after Taylor’s 16th ODI century and his 137-run partnership with Williamson, who is standing in for Brendon McCullum as captain.
New Zealand are warming up in Zimbabwe ahead of a limited-overs tour of South Africa later this month.
