Round #1 - New Zealand vs Zimbabwe

​​​​​​​After being asked to bat first by the Zimbabwe captain, the New Zealand top order responded superbly to the challenge. A brisk opening partnership of 40 (Richard Calkin out for 22 in the 8th over) then 63 for the 2nd wicket (captain Craig Gibb out for 40) saw NZ at 103-2 just past the half-way point in the innings. Martin Pike (top scorer with 66) and Mason Robinson (59 off just 37 balls) then piled on the pressure with an 80 run 3rd wicket partnership in just over 10 overs. Channa Weerapperuma assisted the surge with 31 runs from 24 balls to help NZ reach a formidable total of 266-6 after 45 overs.

In reply Zimbabwe tried to maintain the challenging required run rate but lost too many wickets at regular intervals to have any realistic chance of reaching the target. Zimbabwe's best partnership was for the 10th wicket which took them from 70-9 to 104 all out in 37.5 overs for a comprehensive 162 run win to New Zealand. Kusal Eriyagama opened the bowling and was the standout performer with 5-39 off his 9 overs. Andrew Nuttall was at his miserly best with 2-14 off 9 overs. Scott McCallum (1-25 off 7) and Martin Pennefather (1-15 off 8.5 overs) also had impressive spells.

Pictured: Player of the Day was Mason Robinson (left) for his 59 runs (including 5 fours and 2 sixes) plus a catch and stumping at keeper. Kusal Eriyagama (right) was given a special award for his five wicket haul.