New Zealand secured a dramatic five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the final Twenty20 international Tuesday to condemn the visitors to a winless tour. Kane Williamson (20) scored 14 runs in the final over to seal the win with just two balls to spare after half centuries from openers James Franklin (60) and Rob Nicol (56). The result capped a dismal tour for Zimbabwe, who proved competitive in two T20 matches but were outclassed by New Zealand in a one-off Test and three one-day internationals. The tourists saved their best performance for the final match, choosing to bat after winning the toss and scoring 200 for two, their best ever T20 score, at Hamilton’s Seddon Park. Determined to finally break the shackles, opener Hamilton Masakadza (62) and captain Brendan Taylor (75) anchored the innings but fell just short after Williamson, in only his third T20 international, steered the Black Caps home.
“Obviously it’s bitterly disappointing but I think our boys can hold our heads high,” Taylor said. “If we’re going get that type of total we’re going to be a lot more competitive in the future.” Taylor said he was pleased not to lose early wickets as Hamilton Masakadza and Stuart Matsikenyeri made a 76-run opening partnership, the first time the tourists’ openers have managed a stand exceeding 50 runs in the entire tour. Zimbabwe’s bowlers also produced a much improved performance, with Kyle Jarvis taking two wickets in two balls in the penultimate over and Elton Chingumbura finishing with figures of two for 23.
