Black Caps target series sweep
February 08, 2012 08:58:44 UK
New Zealand will expect to complete a hat-trick when they face Zimbabwe in the third one-day international at Napier.
Skipper Brendon McCullum has yet to find form against Zimbabwe.The Kiwis have crushed the Africans in the opening two matches and the margins of victory in the opening games mean unless Zimbabwe can produce a much-improved performance, they have no chance of registering a win.
The top order have failed twice in the batting stakes and even skipper Brendan Taylor missed out in game two, while the bowling has failed to curb the home line-up from posting big totals and it will be a surprise if New Zealand do not score at least 280.
Zimbabwe had some encouragement from Tatenda Taibu and Elton Chigumbura both scoring half-centuries in game two, but a ton is required from one of the batsmen to give the tourists real hope.
Prosper Utseya came up with a solid all-round performance and his off-spin removed centurion Rob Nicol, captain Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson.
Captain Taylor (4.00) rarely misses out twice and is taken to earn the batting honours for the tourists, while Utseya (5.00) can continue to be the leading bowler.
McCullum (5.00) is due some runs for the hosts, while paceman Doug Bracewell may be recalled and leg-spinner Tarun Nethula will hope to pick up his first international wickets after a wicketless debut.
Batsman Dean Brownlie misses out after he fractured a finger while fielding in the last game at Whangarei.
New Zealand are 1.055 to win in Napier and complete a 3-0 series whitewash, with Zimbabwe 11.00 to spring a major shock and register a victory.
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