One-day international, Harare: New Zealand 238 beat Zimbabwe 211 by 27 runs
 Nathan Astle's 61 came off 81 balls |
New Zealand made it three wins from three in the Videocon Triangular Series with a 27-run win over Zimbabwe.
The result, Zimbabwe's third defeat, means the final will now be contested between New Zealand and India.
Andy Blignaut gave a fine performance for the hosts in Harare on Wednesday with 4-46 and a dashing 50 in 47 balls.
But after allowing New Zealand to score 238, Zimbabwe were always struggling to chase down the target and Shane Bond (4-17) produced a fine display.
In the New Zealand innings, Nathan Astle and Scott Styris each hit half-centuries and Daniel Vettori added a vital 47 when the Kiwis were in some trouble at 149-7 in the 35th over.
Spinner Gavin Ewing had a good day for the hosts as he took three wickets.
Chamunorwa Chibhaba made a debut in one-day internationals and batted at number three for the hosts.
He was caught behind off Kyle Mills for a three ball-duck, however, as Zimbabwe lurched to 5-2.
Vettori took two wickets in the middle of the innings and only Blignaut's late hitting got Zimbabwe remotely close before Bond wrapped up the tail to finish matters with six balls to spare.
MMIX
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