MALCOLM Waller kept his cool to lead Zimbabwe to a remarkable one-wicket win after chasing down a target of 329 in the third and final one-day international against New Zealand in Bulawayo. Although the series was already gone after losing the opening two matches, Zimbabwe salvaged some pride by recording their highest-ever successful ODI run chase, with Waller’s 99 not out proving the key.
Ross Taylor (119) and Kane Williamson (100 not out) had earlier set up a commanding New Zealand total of 328 for five, but that proved not enough as Zimbabwe squeezed home despite looking set to fall short with the finishing line in sight.
Waller, who was dropped by Black Caps skipper Taylor three times, was his side’s hero in the end but Zimbabwe were indebted to a number of other valuable contributions after suffering a dismal start to their run chase when opener Vusi Sibanda was dismissed for a duck off the second ball of the innings.
Skipper Brendan Taylor, who scored centuries in the first two ODIs, continued his fine form with a rapid 75 while Tatenda Taibu (53) and Elton Chigumbura (47) also helped keep Zimbabwe in contention before Waller, who hit 10 fours and one six in his 74-ball knock, guided them home.
Earlier, New Zealand had recovered from 41 for three to set what was an imposing target thanks largely to a fifth-wicket stand of 195 between Taylor and Williamson, who completed his hundred in remarkable fashion in the final over.
A ton looked out of the question when he required seven off the final delivery but a four off a Njabulo Ncube no-ball was followed by three more runs off Chigumbura, who had been called on to bowl the final delivery after Ncube had been removed following a second high no-ball of the innings.
That was Williamson’s second ODI century, to go with a fifth ton for Taylor, but it was not enough to earn their side the win. (PA Sport)