By Greg Pearson
The BlackCaps have continued their dominance over Zimbabwe, taking out the first of two twenty20 internationals by seven wickets.
After an innings defeat in the only test and three heavy one day losses, Zimbabwe put in their best showing of the tour but were still no match for the in-form team, with Martin Guptill playing a starring role.
The energy of the BlackCaps had Zimbabwe off to shaky start but after losing two wickets within three overs the tourists showed some resilience.
Hamilton Masakadsa became the first Zimbabwean opener of the tour to reach double figures with an impressive 53, and Elton Chigumbura blasted a late 48 from just 24 deliveries as Zimbabwe set the BlackCaps 160 to win.
The New Zealand innings had its own early struggles with Rob Nicol bowled in the second over while the captain lasted just one ball.
But Zimbabwe had no answer to Martin Guptill - the in-form opener smashed six sixes and passed 50 for the fifth straight innings of the series.
He and Kane Williamson combined for a record 137 run partnership which was helped in part by more sloppy fielding.
Williamson departed just short of the target while Guptill ended 91 not out.
The BlackCaps are now just one game away from completing a complete series sweep but tougher opposition is looming on the horizon, with the South African tour getting underway on Friday.
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