A cruise for New Zealand

Feb 03, 2012

The match got off to a poor start for stand-in New Zealand captain, Brendon McCullum, as he was dismissed for 3•Getty Images

He put on 88 with Kane Williamson for the third wicket before Shingirai Masakadza struck•Getty Images

Nathan McCullum, though, boosted them through a 57-run partnership with debutant Andrew Ellis, helping New Zealand reach 248•Getty Images

Ellis took a sharp catch to dismiss Taylor, and also bowled a few tidy overs•Getty Images

New Zealand were revived from 4 for 2 by a brisk half-century by Martin Guptill•Getty Images

Guptill fell for 70 after which New Zealand started to lose their way•Getty Images

Ellis' impressive debut continued when he had Hamilton Masakadza run-out with a direct hit•Getty Images

Rob Nicol hastened the game's end by polishing off the tail to finish with 4 for 19•Getty Images

A middle order stumble left them at 166 for 6•Getty Images

Brendan Taylor gave Zimbabwe hope with a half-century, but his dismissal virtually ended his side's hopes•Getty Images

Zimbabawe folded for 158, giving New Zealand a 90-run win and a 1-0 series lead•Getty Images