New Zealand v Zimbabwe 1997-1998

At Wellington, February 6. New Zealand won by eight wickets. Toss: New Zealand.

Zimbabwe's top order fell to risky strokes - and New Zealand were soon in control. Despite a slow recovery from the later batsmen, the total limped to just 138. O'Connor profited from the erratic batting to take five for 39, and Harris claimed his 100th victim in his 98th one-day international when he held a return catch from Guy Whittall. Streak counter-attacked with an early wicket, but a 103-run stand from Astle and Parore carried New Zealand to an easy win.

Man of the Match: S. B. O'Connor.

At Dunedin, February 8, 9, 10. New Zealand A won by an innings and nine runs. Toss: New Zealand A. Zimbabweans 67 ( C. J. Drum four for 18, A. R. Tait five for 16) and 195 ( M. W. Goodwin 78; C. J. Drum five for 65, H. T. Davis three for 50); New Zealand A 271 for eight dec. ( M. D. Bell 50, C. M. Spearman 76, R. G. Twose 69; M. Mbangwa four for 49).

Zimbabwe's total of 67 was the second lowest by a Test-playing nation in New Zealand. The lowest is 64 by England in the Wellington Test of 1977-78.

At Timaru, February 13, 14, 15, 16. Zimbabweans won by an innings and 56 runs. Toss: Canterbury. Canterbury 100 ( P. A. Strang four for 20) and 266 ( C. D. Cumming 86, H. T. G. James 50, S. J. Pawson 36; P. A. Strang three for 38); Zimbabweans 422 for eight dec. ( G. W. Flower 64, A. D. R. Campbell 196, P. A. Strang 93).

In Canterbury's first innings, Strang's full figures were 22-12-20-4. He and Campbell then put on 261 for the Zimbabweans' seventh wicket. After the first day, Glenn Muir replaced Mark Priest, summoned to play a one-day international against Australia, in Canterbury's line-up.