New Zealand v Zimbabwe 1997-1998

At Napier, March 6 (day/night). New Zealand won by nine wickets. Toss: Zimbabwe.

New Zealand clinched the series with an emphatic victory. Chasing 208, Howell and Astle gave them another blistering start, putting on 147. Howell was caught at long-off, aiming for a third six, but Astle completed his fifth century in one-day internationals. Zimbabwe's batsmen disappointed on a good pitch; ninth-wicket pair Strang and Rennie took them past 200 in an unbeaten stand of 54. New Zealand's performance in the field lost some of its lustre when Parore had to be restrained from charging at umpire Cowie after a disputed call: he was fined half his match fee.

Man of the Match: N. J. Astle.