New Zealand v Zimbabwe 1997-1998

At Auckland, March 8. New Zealand won by two runs. Toss: New Zealand.

Astle scored his fourth consecutive innings over 60 in this series: each time, his was the highest score of the match. When he was out, Harris assumed control and the last four wickets added 110; Vettori scored a lightning 21 from 13 balls. Zimbabwe started solidly but, when Grant Flower fell at 106 for three, lost momentum - and wickets, as Vettori's accuracy pinned them down. They needed eight from the last over, but Strang, who threatened to steal victory with a lively 23, was run out off the penultimate ball. Andy Whittall had to hit a four; instead, he lobbed to mid-off. The catch was dropped, but a single left Zimbabwe two short.

Man of the Match: D. L. Vettori. Man of the Series: N. J. Astle.