Guptill, Rain Save Blackcaps in World Cup Warm-up

Christchurch: Opener Martin Guptill hit a fighting hundred before rain saved New Zealand's shambolic batting in a World Cup warm-up game against a spirited Zimbabwe on Monday.

Guptill hit the 86-ball century as New Zealand wilted to 157-7 in 30.1 overs after winning the toss, before heavy rain washed out the match.

Seamers Elton Chigumbura (2-21) and Tinashe Panyangara (2-28) jolted the New Zealand batting, with wickets falling at regular intervals at Bert Sutcliffe Oval.

New Zealand's batting stars Brendon McCullum (eight) and Kane Williamson (six) fell by the fifth over, before Guptill added 43 with Ross Taylor, who made 11.

Guptill hit 13 boundaries and two sixes before he fell to part-timer Sikander Raza just before rain brought the game to an end.

New Zealand open their World Cup campaign in Group A with a game against Sri Lanka at Christchurch on February 14, while Zimbabwe meet South Africa in Group B match at Hamilton a day later.

Brief scores
New Zealand - 157/7 (Guptill 100)
Result - Match abandoned

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

Related links

ICC World Cup 2015 News

ICC President Mustapha Kamal Resigns [+]

Mustafa Kamal has resigned as the president of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Bangladeshi administrator announced on Wednesday.

No Indians in ICC World Cup XI [+]

New Zealand may have been thrashed by Australia in the World Cup final but they dominate the ICC's team of the tournament released Monday with Brendon McCullum named captain.

Australia Crush NZ to Win World Cup [+]

Australia overwhelm New Zealand by seven wickets to win the World Cup for a fifth time at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground.

New Zealand opt to bat in final, Teams Unchanged [+]

New Zealand have won the toss and opted to bat against Australia in World Cup final at MCG on Sunday.

Clarke Announces ODI Retirement [+]

Sunday's World Cup final against New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground would be his last one-day international.

Australia Knocks India Out of World Cup [+]

Australia powered into the World Cup final with a 95-run victory over defending champions India in Sydney.

SCG Set to Turn Indian for Australia Semi-final [+]

India fans are likely to outnumber their Australian counterparts when the two teams clash in the World Cup semi-final in Sydney.

Brilliant Elliott Leads NZ to Maiden Final [+]

Grant Elliott hit a six off the penultimate delivery to secure New Zealand's place in the World Cup final with a thrilling four-wicket win at Eden Park, Auckland on Tuesday.

Adam Milne Ruled out of World Cup [+]

New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out of the remainder of the cricket World Cup after suffering pain in his heel and has been replaced in the squad by Matt Henry, the team said on Monday.

Guptill Helps NZ into World Cup Semis [+]

New Zealand's Martin Guptill smashed the highest score in World Cup history with 237 not out against West Indies to send his team into the semi-finals.