Zimbabwe Looks Redemption Against Kiwis

Dunedin: The last time these two sides played fifty-over cricket was against each other, in October last year. The first two matches were one-way traffic in favour of New Zealand before Zimbabwe chased down 329 in a thriller in Bulawayo, the highest target they have ever achieved, to earn a confidence-boosting victory.

Then, Zimbabwe used the result as motivation to run New Zealand close in the Test match that followed. Now, they will have to pick themselves up after a humiliating three-day Test defeat and prove that the Zimbabwe who challenged New Zealand in Bulawayo have not disappeared.

The only bad news from the home camp is the injury of their skipper Ross Taylor who will be out of action for three-four weeks. The good news however is that, rest of the other players are in form and raring to go. Since their opponents are anything but menacing, the Kiwis are planning to field a few youngsters and assess their performance.

Zimbabwe's return to Test cricket showed some encouraging signs when they played Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh at home. This has been their first away tour and the initial signs have not at all been encouraging for their fans. They were bowled out twice within a day handing the Kiwis a big win. However. the shorter format is the one they play better. Their skipper Brendan Taylor, is also the rock around which rest of the batsmen play.

Teams from

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt & wk), Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Michael Bates, Andrew Ellis, Tom Latham, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Tarun Nethula, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram.

Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor (capt & wk), Regis Chakabva, Elton Chigumbura, Graeme Cremer, Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Tino Mawoyo, Keegan Meth, Forster Mutizwa, Ray Price, Tatenda Taibu (wk), Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller.

Pitch and conditions
In keeping with their new love of seamer's strips, New Zealand have prepared another pitch that is greener than usual. Brendon McCullum said it would be a field-first pitch. It's likely that batting will be tough and the spinners will have nothing more than a containing role to play. The weather is expected to be mild and windy with no rain.

Stats and trivia

• If Ray Price plays, he will feature in his 100th ODI. He debuted 10 years ago.
• University Oval, Dunedin, has only hosted one other ODI: New Zealand v Bangladesh in February 2010. The hosts won by five wickets.

Match facts
February 3, 2012
Start time 1100 local (2200 GMT pre day)