New Zealand v Zimbabwe 1997-1998

At Hamilton, February 4: New Zealand won by 40 runs. Toss: New Zealand. International debut: L. G. Howell.

Llorne Howell, on debut, and Astle put on a lusty 73 in the first 15 overs, but New Zealand then stumbled until Cairns hit four sixes in his 36-ball innings. He added 75 in 14 overs with Harris. Zimbabwe also started well and, as long as Andy Flower survived, had the match in their sights. But Vettori had him stumped in one of two inspired spells of left-arm spin which brought four wickets and turned things around. Asked to score at ten an over, the tail capitulated.

Man of the Match: C. Z. Harris.