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Zimbabwe's challenge for a quarter-final berth at the ICC Cricket World Cup is all but over, with the team succumbing to a disappointing 10 wicket loss at the hands of New Zealand at Motera on Friday. Batting first, Zimbabwe managed to pust just 162 runs, actually doing well to get that many after slipping to 46 for 5 early on. New Zealand in response played riskfree cricket, opting to just bat their way to the target and did so without losing a wicket on the back of half-centuries from their openers Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum. The win takes New Zealand all but through to the last eight with no visible challenger emerging from the three sides below them in the points table. 

The day began on a positive note for Zimbabwe with the toss going their way, and unsurprisingly, the Africans opted to make first use of a beautiful batting wicket at the Sardar Patel Stadium. Kyle Mills came into the side for the Kiwis for this massive game, and he shared the new ball up front with Tim Southee. New Zealand got a break through in the second over of the innings with Charles Coventry running himself out trying to steal a single to get off the mark, but was beaten by a direct hit from Hamish Bennett.

Tatenda Taibu, who was unlucky to have missed out on a century in the last game against Canada failed to really get going today, falling for 8, trapped leg before by Tim Southee. Zimbabwe then lost a clutch of wickets as Craig Ervine (11), Elton Chigumbura (1) and Regis Chakabva (0) fell in quick succession. Three wickets fell in a nine ball period with Daniel Vettori picking up 2 of those to leave Zimbabwe in complete disarray at 46/5.

Brendan Taylor, who had been watching in disbelief at the other end finally found a partner in allrounder Greg Lamb, and the pair added 40 runs for the 6th wicket before the opener was trapped plumb in front by a yorker from Scott Styris. Taylor's 44 run contribution was vital at the top of the order, but Zimbabwe really needed him to bat on and get as close to three figures as possible to give them any chance of getting something from this game.

It was down to the bowlers once again, and they continued to show more mettle than the Zimbabwean batsmen as Lamb (18), Prosper Utseya (36), Graeme Cremer (22) and Ray Price (11) all got into double digits to take their side as close to a half decent score as possible. The tail enders managed to extend the innings up to the 47th over, when Tim Southee came back to pick up the last couple of wickets.

167 could have proved to be a tricky target to chase, but Zimbabwe really needed to get a few wickets up top to set about some panic in the dressing room. That didn't really happen as Tinashe Panyangara, playing his first game of the tournament failed to find his form early on.

The spinners quickly took over, and despite Price, Utseya and Lamb being very economical, New Zealand were simply biding their time and playing themselves into a bit of form. Graeme Cremer looked threatening briefly with his leg breaks, but the Kiwi batsmen were well set by the time he was introduced, and took a liking to his bowling.

Martin Guptill cruised through to a well compiled 86 from 108 balls, including 7 boundaries and 2 sixes. Brendon McCullum was just marginally behind, finishing with 76 from 95 deliveries, ending with 1 boundary less than his mate and matching him in terms of maximums.

It was a very professional performance from the Black Caps and now with a quarter-final berth practically assured takes a huge load of pressure off the Kiwis. This should allow them to play more carefree cricket, and New Zealand could well pose a threat to some of the bigger teams in the competition in the days to come. Their next match is against the tap topping Pakistanis on Tuesday, and after seeing the Asian giants perform so poorly on Thursday against Canada, they would indeed believe that they have a chance of pulling off an upset.

Zimbabwe meanwhile take on co-hosts Sri Lanka next Thursday and will be hopeful of putting on a more competitive display. 

Teams:

Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor, Charles Coventry, Tatenda Taibu, Craig Ervine, Elton Chigumbura, Regis Chakabva, Greg Lamb, Prosper Utseya, Graeme Cremer, Ray Price, Tinashe Panyangara.

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, James Franklin, Scott Styris, Nathan McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Tim Southee, Hamish Bennett

Mini Scorecard:

Zimbabwe 162 all out (46.2 overs, 3.49 runs per over)
Brendan Taylor 44 (57) Tim Southee 3-29
Prosper Utseya 36 (65) Daniel Vettori 2-25

New Zealand 166/0 (33.2 overs, 4.95 runs per over)
Martin Guptill 86* (108)
Brendon McCullum 76* (95)

Also Read more Match Previews: Sri Lanka vs Australia, India vs Ireland

File Photograph Copyright: ICC World T20